Title: Saatchi Gallery – The Revolution Continues: New Art From China
Rating (out of 100): 100
Mood: overwhelmed with beauty and the wow factor, entertained; happy and impressed; not unlike watching the opening / closing ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics
Timeout / Culture Critic: http://www.timeout.com/london/art/event/9182/the-revolution-continues-new-art-from-china.html / http://www.culturecritic.co.uk/exhibitions/the-revolution-continues-new-art-from-china/
After moving from its previous location near the Thames river at the County Hall, the Saatchi Gallery is now finally open in its new home in Chelsea – Duke of York HQ Building (King Street). Its inaugural exhibition is the mind-blowing The Revolution Continues: New Art From China (http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/new_art_from-china.htm). There are so many great things to say about the Saatchi Gallery. Its focus on quality contemporary art. Its willingness to take risks with its shows and selections. The fact that it’s absolutely free for all exhibitions (as in free free). And its amazing new space. If I have one recommendation, it is invest the £1.50 in the Picture by Picture Guide (bright red booklet). It will dramatically enhance your experience in the gallery. Oh, and whatever you do, don’t skip any of the rooms, especially room 13.
I have so many favourites from the show, I don’t even know where to start. Some of the most impressive artists I have seen/heard of before (namely Zhang Xiaogang and Yue Minjun) and others I have not. Overall, the quality of the show is excellent. It is fresh and engaging and unique and new while very quality. It’s not the “my 1 year old nephews could do this” routine but its thoroughly modern and complex. You’ll notice the heavy focus (rightly so) on the portraits of Zhang Xiaogang (Gallery 3 and other) which are even more spectacular when you see them live and realize their massive scale. From the unknown to me artists, I have several favourites. Quite a few in fact. In order of appearance, they are:
* Liu Wei – fantastic cityscape (Gallery 1) and hilarious but significant huge poo (Gallery 4)
* Zhang Huan – I find everything this guy does awesome. From the huge head to his paintings with incense ash (incredibly moody) and his donkey riding a skyscraper (Gallery 2 and 4)
* Feng Zhengjie – massive seductive but frightening portraits with a hot pink that will entice you and a dark green that will scare you (Gallery 6)
* Bai Yulio – super creative – combining elements of traditional western art with his own twist (in Gallery 7) and a very symbolic and fascinating tree in a hospital (Gallery 9)
* Shen Shaomin (Gallery 8) – creates fascinating animals from real animal bones – you have to see it to believe it; they are so interesting, you almost wish they existed in real life
* Sun Yuan and Peng Yu (Gallery 7 and 13) – arguably one of the most interesting and creative parts of the show, their work is like black comedy; you laugh while being a bit sad; the Angel is great but the Old Persons Home is absolutely fantastic
Other notable mentions include Zhang Dali (Gallery 10), Li Songsong (especially her work in Gallery 11), Zheng Gougu (Gallery 12) and Wu Shanzhaun (Gallery 12).
Overall a mind-blowing and amazing show. Contemporary art at its best. I can’t wait to see what the next show will be.
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