Wang Jianwei

The Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative at the Guggenheim Museum, launched in early 2013, strives to advance the achievements of contemporary Chinese artists by commissioning major pieces that will be exhibited in the museum and enter its permanent collection. Selected for the first commission, Beijing-based artist Wang Jianwei (born 1958) is recognized throughout Asia and Europe for his bold experiments in new media, video, performance, conceptual and installation art. His highly innovative works consider space and time in elaborate ways, working from the notion that the production of artwork can be a continuous rehearsal. The exhibition comprises a multifaceted space that includes painting, installation, sculpture, film and a theatrical production. The accompanying catalogue includes three texts in English and Chinese: a curatorial essay on Wang's artistic practice; a look at the artist's recent work by Gao Shiming; and a text by Wang on contemporary Chinese art. In addition, this volume includes a chronology of his oeuvre to date.