Fang Lijun: Thread of Time is an exhibition held by Guangdong Museum of Art to introduce and discuss the artist’s creation experience on a large scale for the very first time.

The exhibition consists of two parts. The first is about literatures: key materials about Mr. Fang at different stages of art creation (e.g. learning, thinking and creating) will be exhibited, including his important sketches as well as literatures about his inspiration and actions at each critical juncture of mindset transformation. This part will be organized according to three key clues: the changing times in China and its great impact on personal existence; the influence of Mr. Fang's experience in such an era on his art creation, and how he has developed his self identity; discussion of the "process" and "back end" of his art creation, revealing his observation of and reflection on the era, his in-depth thoughts about art, and unquantifiable language changes, etc. The exhibited sketches and art notes of Fang Lijun will showcase his contemplation and inspirations. Not fixed as his art works, these "files" of art creation demonstrate his stream of ideas and can help us better catch his idea evolution and the questions he has raised.

The second part is Fang Lijun’s important works since 2000, and his recent select works which can enable visitors to have an overview of his current creation status and mindset. When the exhibition kicks off, a symposium will also be held.

As this is one of its key exhibitions this year, Guangdong Museum of Art will display in four halls and the foyer considerable materials and sketches in Mr. Fang’s 30-year art creation, his early works as well as documentaries specially prepared for the exhibition. Visitors in Guangzhou will enjoy an unparalleled visual feast at the exhibition.

Born in Handan, Hebei Province of China in 1963, Fang Lijun graduated from the Print Department of China Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 1989. Now, he lives and works in Beijing.


Fang Lijun’s art works are based on his reflection on common humanity against the background of society, presenting the instinct attitude of refusing to abide by social customs. By demonstrating the smallness, triviality and humdrum of life in his works, he is fighting against common ideology and concepts hidden behind social reality, intentional or not. From his earlier paintings to recent sculptures, we can see a distinctive clue, i.e. his taste of the reality and existence in order to describe the real existence of life, including the source and future of life. In so doing, the life status presented by him in his works is naturally linked with the context of history and society. He creates many images such as the earlier head portraits and insects as symbol of life to illustrate the situation people live in. Even if the artist adopts a common and trivial image, he also reflects his doubt about the illusive significance of life. Under many circumstances, his mindset changes and maturity as well as thoughts of life are reflected by common images and sculpture, but his unique methods and tastes may conflict with what people are accustomed to. Therefore, no matter how critics summarize his works, it would be impossible to hide his insight into life and his aesthetic meditation. This is exactly the significance of Fang Lijun’s art works.

Organizer：Guangdong Museum of Art, Today Art Museum
Co-organizer：Arario Gallery (Beijing)
Special Thanks：Art Beijing

Art Director：Wang Huangsheng
Academic Chair：Lv Peng
Curator：Guo Xiaoyan
Assistant Curators：Zhang Fen, Dang Dan