China Creates

China seems to be in the center of the news media. The majority of information out of this country is centered around economics, politics, and industry. Its long and colorful history and its traditional, diverse cultures are also the focus of media attention. Its name is mentioned frequently in the days following the opening ceremony of the Athens Olympics. But what about modern art in China? We peeked into parts of the art scene that has been quietly yet steadily progressing in Beijing.

Central Academy of Art in Beijing is one of few elite art schools in China. Those students who were admitted came through its narrow gate, having being recognized for their skills and potentials. Its School of Design receives fifteen thousand applications, and only five hundred are accepted. That's very competitive, where less than half a percent of applicants gets a nod (.033). The college offers many curriculums varying from traditional Chinese art, calligraphy, sculpture, painting, to digital media. There are a quite few foreign students studying abroad here as well. In addition to the mainly Chinese student body, the school hosts several international students from Japan, Malasya, Thailand and other mainly Asian countries.

Not far from the art school is an area of art galleries and artists' studios mixed into an industrial neighborhood. Some of the industries are still open, and have been operating since the Cultural Revolution. Artists have moved into the abandoned factories, creating an interesting environment for creative activities and displaying art. Imagine modern paintings and sculptures displayed in warehouse like spaces that still sport old propaganda slogans in giant red characters praising Chairman Mao. The art is new and full of originality. Many collaborations with European artists and curators take place in the area. Mixed into the gallery spaces and factories are trendy and fashionable cafés and restaurants.

I believe that modern art is a good indicator for advanced nations' cultural priority, freedom, and reserved strength. While this does not imply that developing nations have no interesting art scenes, they remain quiet in the area of new forms of self-expression in general. In many cases, developing countries stick to their traditional arts, which is often the charm for its visitors.

The industrial China is a contractor of huge scale manufacturing for itself and other countries based on high efficiency and low costs. Originality and creativity don't have much to do with this productivity. As we all know, these two elements are required in order to be noticed in the modern art world. In Beijing, many progressive artists are expressing their creativity, accumulating reserved strength and harnessing their minds to appreciate these new art forms.