Exhibition focuses on overseas Chinese artists

Overseas Chinese artists, who have embraced diverse cultures throughout their migratory journeys, offer fresh, varied perspectives on topics such as identity, belonging, and cultural heritage, leading to innovative artistic expressions. Contemporary art enthusiasts can now explore such unique works at the “Through Her/His/Its Vision: A Retrospective of Overseas Chinese Art” exhibition at the He Xiangning Art Museum.

The museum has been following overseas Chinese artists for more than two decades, focusing on the connections between their experiences and art, and recognizing their contributions to cultural exchange. For the current exhibition, the museum has selected 28 works from its collection.

Visitors at the opening of the “Through Her/His/Its Vision: A Retrospective of Overseas Chinese Art” exhibition at the He Xiangning Art Museum on March 2. Photos by Cao Zhen

A visitor observes posters of the art museum's past exhibitions of overseas Chinese artists.

The “Identity and Identification” section delves into the multifaceted identities of the artists that have developed outside their homeland. Their works evoke emotional responses that reflect the coexistence, tensions, and conflicts within identity.

Indonesian artist Tintin Wulia’s “Invasion” installation is displayed at the entrance of the exhibition — a cluster of flowerpots anchors red threads that are connected to a series of suspended kites. The kites, made from photocopies of the artist’s family members’ citizenship documents, signify her deep connection to her Chinese ancestry while simultaneously invoking feelings of distance. This assemblage, which conveys a powerful artistic statement, attracts many visitors to take photos.

A visitor admires Tintin Wulia’s “Invasion” installation at the exhibition.  

Works in the “Cultural Hybridity” section examine cultural encounters, conflicts, and exchanges, highlighting the subtle dynamics of cultural balance. These works emphasize the role of cross-cultural exchanges in fostering diversity and mutual understanding.

Xue Lei, who obtained his master’s degree from the Kassel Academy of Fine Arts in Germany, created “Modern Age 1,” a blue-and-white porcelain board featuring U.S. cartoon characters, such as Donald Duck, and brand logos as patterns. This bold juxtaposition of playful Western imagery with the elegance of traditional Chinese porcelain is visually striking. 

Part of Xue Lei’s “Modern Age 1.”

Visitors observe Zhang Dali's "Dialogue."

In sociology, the concept of the “third space” refers to a public or semi-public environment that is neither a home (the first space) nor a workplace (the second space). Drawing from this idea, the works in “The Third Space” section explore how artists create new perspectives and expressions while navigating multiple cultures and places. From depictions of everyday life to cosmic explosions, these works offer moments of visual and intellectual revelation.

Pixy Yijun Liao's "Creating a World Just for Us."

A scene from Duan Yingmei's video "Observer." In the video, Duan sits high above the floor of the He Xiangning Art Museum in 2005, while numerous visitors pose for photos with her.

The exhibition also features posters, archives, and videos showcasing the museum’s past exhibitions of overseas Chinese artists. This area, titled “Through Its Vision,” provides a dynamic, multifaceted view of the curatorial and academic significance of these presentations. Visitors are invited to leave comments on-site and, in return, receive complimentary postcards and badges.

Dates: Through April 6

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (南山区何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C