Aussie billionaire’s high-tech art collection coming to Gold Coast’s HOTA
The idea of “Chinese art” may bring to mind Ming vases, calligraphy, and possibly Maoist social realist paintings of heroic workers.
You’re probably not thinking about hand-clapping robot chairs, hanging Gothic cathedrals made of leather, or an eight-meter-tall cruise ship stranded on the gallery floor.
These are just some of the amazing works that will be on display for free at the HOTA (House of Art) Gallery on the Gold Coast from April. This MomentAn exhibition of highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art in Sydney.
A week-long detachment of dancing robots was announced on Chinese television, surprising the world with a martial arts demonstration. This Moment It will offer a glimpse into the technological and production power that has helped Chinese artists rise to the world stage.
The White Rabbit Collection was created by Australian philanthropist Dr. Owned by Judith Neilson AM, her charitable foundation helps promote public health in Africa as well as justice for women, girls and First Nations people in Australia.
Neilson, whose wealth is estimated $1.23 billionHe has been exhibiting his collection to art fans in Sydney since 2009 in his purpose-built White Rabbit Gallery.
“For over 25 years I have been traveling to China, where I believe the most interesting art in the world is produced,” Neilson said in a statement.
“The amazing country is so vast, diverse and has a huge population. It inspires so many artists and fuels competition, ultimately leading to the best to the worst and everything in between.”
HOTA Gallery curator Julie McLaren said the exhibition was a “major coup” for the regional gallery and that the works in the exhibition would “destroy preconceived notions” about Chinese art.
“Artists working in China reference ancient traditions but combine with new tools to explore what it means to live in China today,” he said.
Upon entering the exhibition, visitors would be greeted by a massive work titled. Flood: Noah’s Ark Approximately 6,000 pieces of 3D-printed plastic were made by Peng Hung Chih to create the twisted carcass of the half-cruise ship, half-whale.
“This was the work we really wanted to show on the Gold Coast because it touches on global concerns about climate and weather,” McLaren said, adding that the Gold Coast experienced its first hurricane, Alfred, last year.
Another study Choir Liu Chang’s design consists of 12 chairs equipped with hands that come eerily to life and give visitors applause when they stand on the podium.
“A lot of artists are working with artificial intelligence and computer technology, but also talking about concerns about these technologies and how they are part of our lives,” McLaren said.
The show is far from being part of “official” Chinese culture. Artists in China are at risk of persecution due to the repeated arrest and detention by authorities of arguably the country’s top artist, Ai Weiwei (who is currently in exile).
“Chinese artists are extremely brave. Many of them don’t care whether they get thrown in jail or not,” Neilson said recently. Australian Financial Review.
McLaren says some work is in progress This Moment Take a critical look at the PRC’s power structures as well as explore universal issues.
“There are moments of beauty and joy and humor. Humor is especially important in the age we live in, and it’s really important in art.”
This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art It runs from 18 April to 11 October at HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise and entry is free.
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Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter for the Brisbane Times covering the arts and things to do in the city.Connect via email.
