Exhibit explores relationship of man, nature
IT is rare for an artist to have a solo-exhibition with 12 large-sized installation works, but Hu Xiangcheng did exactly that at Shanghai Himalayas Museum showcasing his theme “New & Beyond.”
Curated by Du Xiyun, the exhibit tries to evoke questions of a relationship between the individual and nature, and the relationship between the individual and the other from visitors.
Born in Shanghai in 1950, Hu is an internationally renowned artist. He graduated from the stage art department of Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1976. In 1991, he graduated from the Academy of Japan’s Musashino University of Fine Arts. From 1976 till 1986, he taught at Shanghai Theatre Academy of Tibetan University.
One of the founders of the Shanghai Biennale in 1996, and an expert in city planning, rural construction and Yangtze River Delta protection, Hu has resided in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, and in Japan and Africa for many years. With his deep research in various national and regional cultures gain from his traveling experience and his achievements in other fields such as ecology, environmental protection and urban construction, he always attempts to expand the borders of his works.
The highlight of the exhibition is “The Vitruvian Men Trying to Climb out of the Garbage.” With a precise and perfect body proportion, the Vitruvian Man, a painting by Da Vinci, has become an idol for humanism and modern culture.
In this installation, when several 6-meterhigh Vitruvian men, originated from Da Vinci’s sketches, try to climb out of the surrounding production and domestic waste, the human beings and garbage produces and forms an insoluble paradox.
It is commonly accepted by most artists to “raise questions” through artistic expression, but Hu always required himself to raise problems and then solve them. For example, he has practiced social cell improvement and ecological agriculture for many years.
Date: Through November 30 (closed on Mondays), 10am-6pm
Venue: Wuji Plaza, 1/F, Shanghai Himalayas Museum
Address: 869 Yinghua Rd, Pudong New Area