Wang Qingsong/Detroit/Beijing

February 2 - May 26, 2019

AN EXHIBITION ABOUT THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN TWO CITIES

In The Bloodstained Shirt (2018), Chinese artist Wang Qingsong restages in Highland Park, Michigan, an iconic 1959 drawing by Wang Shikuo of peasants rising up against a cruel landlord and triumphantly reclaiming their right to the land. Wang’s projects are usually located in China, but while visiting southeast Michigan he was struck by the similarities between the effects of inequitable real estate development on local communities in Detroit, Highland Park, and his native Beijing. His large-scale photograph, set in an abandoned factory building in Highland Park and featuring more than seventy volunteers, collapses two moments in history to present a vivid reminder of the human consequences of the ruthless pursuit of profit and the power of collective action. The exhibition includes works created in collaboration with area residents that give voice to their concerns and their hopes for transformation and renewal.

This project, which bridges between Detroit, Michigan, and Beijing, China, resonates with UMMA's mission to engage in conversation about local and global issues. UMMA is pleased to present this art project in which the participation of UM faculty members, students, and Detroit's community members has been critical.

Artist's biography
Artist's website
Watch the Chinese Contemporary Art: Curation, Collection, and Connection Symposium here.

Lead support for Wang Qingsong/Detroit/Beijing is provided by the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the Confucius Institute at the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, and the Herbert W. and  Susan L. Johe Endowment.

Images

Wang Qingsong, The Bloodstained Shirt, 2018. Courtesy the artist. © Wang Qingsong

Timeline

Exhibition Timeline

SatFeb 2
Exhibition Opens
Sat
Feb 2
Artist Talk: Connecting Communities: Wang Qingsong in Detroit and Beijing
4:30pm6pm
Artists and Curators / Exhibitions Related
Sun
Feb 10
The Painted Face: Artistry, Design and the Voice in Chinese Opera
2pm3:30pm
Exhibitions Related / Family / Performing Arts
Wed
Feb 13
RESCHEDULED FOR FEB 10 -- The Painted Face: Artistry, Design and Voice in Chinese Opera
6pm7:30pm
Exhibitions Related / Performing Arts
Thu
Feb 28
Public Talk: Phil Tinari, Director and CEO, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art
6pm7pm
Exhibitions Related / Special Events
Fri
Apr 5
Public tour: Wang Qingsong/Detroit/Beijing with Fang Zhang
4pm5pm
Exhibitions Related / Gallery Talks and Tours
Sat
Apr 6
Chinese Contemporary Art: Exhibition, Collection and Criticism
9am5pm
Artists and Curators / Exhibitions Related
SunMay 26
Exhibition Closes
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