The group show Working on History at Museum für Fotografie (Museum for Photography) in Berlin was an ambitious undertaking that examined 20th-century history, particularly that of China, through the photographic lens. With a stunning assemblage of 18 artists and helmed by renowned museum director Ludger Derenthal, CAFAM director Wang Huangshen...

There's never before been an exhibition of contemporary Chinese art of this magnitude: Eight cities, nine museums, 120 artists, 500 works. For audiences in Germany, the question is on the tip of their tongues: Just how much influence did Chinese officials play in the making of " China 8," which opens to the public on May 14 and...