More than Just Maneuvers

Gu Zhenqing

At the opening ceremony of the Réunion Island Biennale on November 12, 2011 in the city of Le Port in the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, artists Cheng Ran, Diao Wei, Du Yan, Liu Jun, Liu Qianyi, Lv Ying and Ye Yili, along with other young “international” artists, presented the artworks they had created locally. The Réunion Island Biennale had a ground-breaking, tip-of-the-iceberg feel to it. It differed from the mainstream international biennial model in terms of its exhibition mechanisms, selection of artists and artwork selection methods. Winnowing down from the massive list of jury recommendations and artist applications, the international jury committee selected 27 cutting-edge artists under 35 hailing from all of the world’s continents. These artists were then invited to take part in the special biennale project, which entailed a two to three month residency on the island. During their residency, the artists had to incorporate elements from the geography, economy or social environment of this culturally diverse island. The project encouraged artists to utilize local materials, resources and technical advantages in their creations. The diversity of the artists and the deep interactions with local society led to artistic expression that was fresh and highly contemporary. This is the second successful installment of the Réunion Biennale, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, as it presents the potential for innovation outside of the mainstream international biennial model in developing countries and regions.

“Manoeuvres: Réunion Biennale” is a response to the reformed mechanism presented by the 2011 Réunion Biennale and a rethinking of the mainstream international biennial model.  

Participating artists include: Cheng Ran, Diao Wei, Du Yan, Liu Jun, Liu QianYi, Lv Ying, Ye YiLi