ROAMING 1 International Faculty Show
Wuhan Zall Art Gallery • Wuhan • May 2016
Artists:
Allyson Glenn, Alison Norlen, Barbara Reimer, Jennifer Crane, Patrick Bulas, Tim Nowlin. Beini Mu, Guanghui Zhang, Haolin Lv, Lian Zhang, Mengmeng Tan, Songtao Zhang.
Academic Director:
Lian Zhang
Sponsor:
Wuhan Wisdom of Landscape Operation Management Co., Ltd.
Statement
As part of the counterculture movement, many "hippies" began to emerge in the western countries in the mid-60s and early 70s. The youths and artists lived in communes. They rejected war and nationalism by living a carefree and nomadic lifestyle. Such a free- spirited way of living could quickly remind people of Kerouac's On the Road, and paint the imagery of Allen Ginsberg trailblazing down the American highway, speeding towards the wild west and leaving behind crumbling cities in the smouldering embers.
The hippies indulge in nature and relish the idea of "Love and Peace". Many hippie artists started to create their own utopia with visual artwork to fight back the established corrupt societal values. By making love instead of war, artists in the mid-60s and early 70s attempted to rediscover the compassion and spirituality within humanity that has long been suppressed by economic materialism.
Roaming is based on this notion of rediscovering the truth and beauty within oneself through a wondering and free- flowing way of living.This exhibition consists of artworks that utilize various mediums, including photography, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, and architectural design. The participating artists are all born between the 1950s and 70s. Through visual art's universal language, the artist will narrate their personal stories and understandings of love, peace, and freedom.
From May 22nd to June 8th, 2016, we would love to invite all the art enthusiasts to embark on a spectacular cross-cultural journey at Wuhan Zall Gallery. Indulge yourself in an artistic dialogue between Chinese and Canadian "hippies" and be mesmerized by both nations' distinct cultures. Immerse yourself in the "neo-hippie" culture of the 21st century. Through contemporary art, we shall discover a brand new cultural era with new dimensions.
Curatorial Concept
Saskatchewan was established in 1905 and is collectively known as Canada’s “Three Prairie Provinces” neighbouring provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. Saskatchewan has always been known for agriculture and livestock production and is a vital granary zone in Canada. The city of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan is new in Canada. It has only been inhabited since 1890. Saskatoon runs north-south from the South Saskatoon River. The river covers only 170 square kilometres, but there are as many as seven bridges on the river to connect the east and west banks of Saskatoon. So Saskatoon is also called “City of Bridges.”
In 2016, Kyuubi Culture’s lead curator Xiao Han led the U of S faculty members to Wuhan to exhibit their works alongside HIFA faculties’ artworks. This exhibition strengthens the relation between the two art institutes. It forms an international dialogue between the artists from two continents, allowing divergent artistic mediums and concepts to intermingle and create wonders beyond expectation.
Gallery Space
Zall Gallery is located on the third floor of Wuhan Zall Bookstore, 168 Hong Kong Road, Wuhan. Zall Bookstore is an architectural space that combines a bookstore and an art gallery. After reading the book, visitors can go up the winding stairs to see the artwork exhibited upstairs. It is a place where textual knowledge and visual knowledge combines. Zall maintains low visitor traffic yet high frequent visits, both big and small exhibitions would be held regularly for visitors to enjoy. Those who seek knowledge and those who love art will always find their way into Zall Gallery and immerse themselves in art and beauty.
