2007.12.10-2007.12.16

Shinwa Art Museum, Tokyo

Artists

Chen Qiang, Ding Yi, Huang Yuanqing, Li Lei, Pan Wei, Qu Fengguo,

Wang Guangyi, Xue Song, Yue Minjun

The 21st century is said to be the century of Asia. The Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, and the rapid development of China, which continues to grow daily, are truly symbolic of Asia.

The speed with which China continues to develop at an astonishing pace, with the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai World Expo, is truly a symbol of Asia. The Japanese art world, which has only been respectfully observing the activities of Chinese artists, who continue to lead the world as representatives of Asian contemporary art and open to Asian sensibilities, is finally beginning to pay attention to Asia, with a focus on China. The first “Art Now in China-2007” featured cutting-edge painters from Shanghai who are active internationally. Chinese contemporary art is a powerful role model for Japanese contemporary art as well, as the simplest model of how art money rides on new trends, markets develop, and induces the next new thing continues to turn around. If this is the Renaissance period of Asian art, this exhibition is a rare opportunity for the painters who are the driving force behind it to come together in one place.

It would be our greatest pleasure if many people could feel a part of this dynamic and initiate new exchanges.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations with China. We hope that our first step will contribute to the promotion of art in both countries, and by extension, in Asia, and that we will be able to play a part in this.

We are determined to make further progress for the next exhibition.

Att (Asian Art Association)

Japan and China are one-clothed neighbors, with cultures and feelings in harmony with each other. Cultural exchanges in ancient times, not to mention exchanges between Japan and China in modern times, are still very frequent.

Since Japan learned Western science, technology, and culture before China, many of China’s most influential cultural figures and artists of the modern era have studied in Japan. Chinese cultural masters

Lu Xun studied medicine in Japan, He Xiangguo, a forerunner of the Xinhai Revolution, studied painting in Japan, and Chen Ho-ichi and Guan Liang, who popularized early Chinese oil painting, also studied in Japan. It can be said that most of the new culture of modern China came from Japan.

In addition to learning about Western art indirectly through Japan, traditional Japanese art also greatly inspired Chinese artists. When I was still a small child, I saw the works of masters such as Ito Shinsui, Higashiyama Kaii, Saito Kiyoshi, and Hirayama Ikuo at the library.

I felt as if I was being blown by a true spring breeze when I saw the works of masters such as Ito Shinsui, Higashiyama Kaii, Saito Kiyoshi, Hirayama Ikuo, and others at the library. It is a sublime state of my longing, where the charm and value of our oriental art resides. I absorb the nourishment of these masters in their works and sincerely appreciate them.

Today, we are here to present an exhibition of paintings, and I sincerely hope that the Japanese audience will be moved by the contemporary art of China. I believe in the unity of the human mind and the importance of building bridges of exchange. I believe that our exhibition is just one bridge that can connect the hearts of artists and audiences in both countries. We can realize how great art is. Art can make us understand, respect, and appreciate each other.

I sincerely hope that the Japanese people will like our work.

Thank you very much.

Executive Director, Shanghai Art Museum

Li Lei

Art Now in China 2007

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