21st September 2023 – (Hong Kong) M+, Asia’s pioneering global museum of contemporary visual culture, located in the West Kowloon Cultural District of Hong Kong, is thrilled to announce the opening of its second exhibition from the M+ Sigg Collection, titled “Another Story.” Set to welcome the public from Friday, 22nd September 2023, in the Sigg Galleries, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Chinese art, highlighting artists who assert their presence and cultivate a unique visual language.
Building upon the success of the inaugural exhibition, “M+ Sigg Collection: From Revolution to Globalisation,” the “Another Story” exhibition takes a visually immersive approach to explore the styles and practices of contemporary Chinese art from the 1990s to the present. The artists, navigating China’s transformation into a consumerist society during the 1990s, found themselves exposed to the global stage. This experience inspired them to revisit the visual legacies of socialist experience and Chinese tradition, enabling them to re-establish their cultural identity.
The exhibition will showcase over 120 works, thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections: “Facing Uncertainty,” “Sensory Overload,” “Ambivalent States,” and “Hidden Disruption.”
The section titled “Facing Uncertainty” highlights artistic practices that delve into moments of fading and disappearance. As material life improved during the 1990s, artists grappled with the changing cultural landscape and expressed their doubts about the evolving culture, history, and tradition.
In the section “Sensory Overload,” visitors will witness artists grappling with the overwhelming abundance of images and visual stimuli. The proliferation of inexpensive, mass-produced goods and the influx of marketing imagery in China prompted artists to redirect their focus towards commerce and technology.
The “Ambivalent States” section showcases how artists embraced ambiguity and played with shifting meanings and values in society. Starting from the 1990s and 2000s, artists sought creative freedom and explored life’s ambiguities. Their works, familiar yet absurd, expanded the possibilities and interpretations of art.
In the final section, “Hidden Disruption,” the exhibition demonstrates a prevailing sense of ennui as Chinese artists employed subtle interruptions as forms of commentary. They aimed to articulate a sense of tranquility and inner peace amidst the rapid changes in their environment. Beneath the serene surface, however, a deep undercurrent of energy and emotion is palpable.
“M+ Sigg Collection: Another Story” presents a captivating journey through contemporary Chinese art, shedding light on its evolution and the diverse perspectives of artists. This exhibition at M+ Museum serves as a testament to the institution’s commitment to showcasing groundbreaking visual culture and fostering a deeper understanding of the artistic landscape. Visitors can expect to be engaged, challenged, and inspired by these thought-provoking works.
Photo: Lok Cheng
Courtesy of M+, Hong Kong