YAN LEI
b. 1965, China“I don’t feel that the society shows any desire for contemporary art. If an art career can make some one live happily, that is a positive influence to society, solving the problem of employment for artists. I think the “chineseness of contemporary art” is an inherent problem. It is important to express the difficulty of this problem; as such an initiative is necessary with a backdrop of globalization. China is an independent and complete system, its unique social structure and resources influence my attitude towards art, but also they have helped me understand the principles of this game. This cultural background gives me a perspective to participate in the field of global contemporary art.
Meanwhile, the motive and production of my work are originated from the material condition and temporality of Chinese society. This said, I think individual actions could not rid such an identity. I scarcely ponder the question of whether Chinese art could be assimilated b international art, or what are the characteristics of Chinese art. What is its real value? I suppose only a soberer attitude could exceed reality. Facing this problem, I lack an ability to judge.”
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