Prologue to the Post 1980’s Chinese Contemporary Art Boom

Schoeni Art Gallery is thrilled to present Niubi Newbie Kids II - curated by the director of the gallery, Nicole Schoeni - upon the phenomenal success the exhibition has received last year. In this second round showing of the Niubi exhibition, we aim to further explore the characteristics of a group of youngsters in China termed as the ‘Me’ generation. Niubi Newbie Kids II will feature 19 up and coming talents, covering a diverse medium from oil on canvas to mixed media installations. With the extended number of participating artists, we will be showcasing the exhibition at both our main gallery and branch locations.

Niubi Newbie Kids II offers an insight into the world of a generation that possesses much higher expectation of living standards and choice than any other peer group in the last century. In fact, the ‘Me’ generation is a determined, motivated and driven one that is eager to work for their own betterment and individualistic concerns. As reflected through the diversity in their works, each artist owns a distinctive style and approach that is in no way restricted by the power of imagination. In contrast to the well-acquainted Chinese contemporary art that has emerged from the 80’s, their art does not communicate any political nor collective interests; yet similar to their older peers, their raw creativity continues to explore and reflect the times and changes of China in recent years. This youthful generation is becoming a powerful force within the emerging global economic powerhouse, as their collective value, ideas and aspirations will eventually help shape and influence the developments of a growing China.

Project Kaisei

The Niubi Newbie Kids contribute towards the protection of our seas and environmental awareness among youngsters.

Although this generation of kids can be considered a fortunate one, being raised in a turmoil free economically booming era, yet they are forced to face the inevitable consequences of environmental damage caused by mankind. For this reason, a section of the Niubi Newbie Kids II exhibition at the branch gallery will be dedicated to the promotion of the awareness of Project Kaisei. Project Kaisei is a non-profit Hong Kong based environmental initiative committed to the research and study of possible techniques to capture plastic debris trapped in our oceans - the Plastic Vortex - and ways to detoxify and recycle these wastes into diesel fuel. On 4th August 2009, Project Kaisei has embarked on their first expedition towards the Pacific Gyre north of Hawaii. Participating artists will create an artwork based on the theme of plastic and corresponding sales revenue contributed will be donated to Project Kaisei. Through this effort, we wish to contribute towards saving our precious environment and nature, and to preserve the natural ‘flow’ of our waters: the essence of life.

Selected Artists Profile

Cai Lei will be showcasing his graduation piece, We series. The series consists of sculptures of human figures, characterised by their shocking skeletal figures that cause a feeling of slight fear and dismay in its audiences. Cai Lei’s hyper realistic sculptures enthrall us with a kind of morbid fascination that draws us to appreciate its eccentric beauty along with the brutal splendour of reality.

Chen Fei participated in the Niubi exhibition in 2008, and this year he will be showcasing his latest sculptures. The collection features 27 multi-coloured skulls, entitled Because God Loves Me. The series respond to Damien Hirst’s renowned diamond skulls in its use of inexpensive material, through which Chen conveys his belief that the true value of art lies in creativity rather than luxurious materials. Born in 1983, Chen Fei has established himself as an artist and an art director in the film & TV industry. Chen’s works have also been auctioned at major auction houses in China.

Hou Yan Yan is one of the 3 female artists of the exhibition. A graduate from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, Hou was nominated by Schoeni for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize competition in 2006. Her whimsical works often reflect heavy influence of Japanese cartoon characters and toys, which play a very important role in the shaping of the ‘me’ generation. In Secret Garden series, Hou Yan Yan creates a sequence of interrelated stories and memories that help us travel back to our very own precious moments of our childhood.

Li Yuan Bo was born in Henan province in 1980 and graduated from the sculpture department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing in 2008. Li’s sculptures reveal the inmost secrets and psyche of city dwellers of China’s vast metropolis. He adopts a playful and jovial approach in telling the story of his characters through his life size sculptural installations.

Zhao Dong Liang graduated in 2009 from the Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts and he will also be exhibiting his graduation piece, Bonsai Chair. Zhao’s works are inspirational and convey a strong sense of Asian philosophy and aesthetics. Fusing different elements and disciplines into one, his wooden sculptures capture the metamorphosis of a plant into a surreal piece of furniture, symbolising a birth of new life.

Zheng Jiang’s Sudden Ego series consists of a collection of his characters encapsulated in a glass bottle, with each character being seemingly secluded and living in its own time and space, while being publicly exposed at the same time. Though the representation may seem comical at first, on closer inspection the series actually prompts questions on self identity and existence.