Pan-Asia Contemporary Art Group Exhibition

Globalization is viewed as a long process taking centuries, but the globalization of our times, which started to be recognized by economists in the 1980-ies, is much more complex and its process is a combination of economic, technological, socio-cultural and political forces. A lot of barriers and boundaries have been broken down which allows for easier movement of goods, capital and persons. There are however important negative effects brought about by globalization. Increased terrorism, greater pollution, the resulting degradation of the biosphere, excessive urbanization leading to migration, an exaggerated spreading of multiculturalism are among the most talked about ills caused by globalization. When observing the artistic arena we notice that Western Art is no longer dominant and that artists from emerging countries are active participants in defining and constructing the global contemporary art scene.

Nowadays artists cannot ignore the responsibility they have towards society. The artists are involved in the process of thinking and dealing with the known but good artists must also think about new options of interpretation even if they are utopian. Their ultimate purpose is to give society an alternative to the reality we live in and act towards change and progress. Sometimes artists need to struggle to articulate the frustrations about power and hegemony, the monopolistic claims of religion, nation and state. Technology has opened up new avenues for the artists. Favourable economical conditions have also transformed the artist’s workplaces, which have evolved from studios to factories. The blistering pace and the overwhelming size make China the perfect template of the real meaning of globalization and the brutal and rapid changes involved. A lot of artists, especially in China and in India are sensitive to these developments, which create instability and confusion, and they express their feelings and emotions in their artworks.

Globalization should be a positive force that facilitates contacts, exchanges, peaceful coexistence and international cooperation, which in turn would help solve problems. “Beyond Globalization” is about the challenge for mankind to control its destiny and use all available means and brains to make the world a better place. The objective of this exhibition is to invite 21 artists from China, India, Japan and Indonesia who are preoccupied by these challenges and are not afraid to raise their voices.
 
Participating Artists:

China: Chen Wenling, Han Yajuan, He Wenjue, Li Jikai, THEY, Yang Na, Mu Lei, Zhang Xiaotao, Liu Ren, UNMASK
India: Baiju Parthan, Biju Joze, Justin Ponmany, Jagannath Panda, Riyas
Komu, Anita Dube, Sheba Chhachhi, Sumedh Rajendran
Indonesia: Agus Suwage, R.E. Hartanto
Japan: Ryoko Kato

Curators: Marc Bollansee, Mila Bollansee (Belgium)