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Jing Daily Exclusive Interview: Wang Qingsong, Contemporary Chinese Photographer

Prior to the opening of his solo exhibition "When Worlds Collide" in New York, Jing Daily sat down with Wang Qingsong to discuss his recent work, his new show, and his future plans.

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  1. Wang Discusses Solo Exhibition At New York's International Center Of Photography, Future Plans
  2. Jing Daily (JD): Your artwork is often focused on describing and critiquing “Today’s China,” looking at commercial wealth and consumption, as well as the migration towards cities. How do you define Chinese consumer culture? Has it evolved since you first began your work?
  3. Wang Qingsong (WQS)
  4. JD: How do you see this theme manifesting in Chinese culture these days, and what impact is it having on your work?
  5. WQS
  6. JD: How would you characterize the art scene in China in 2011? How has it changed over the past five years? What has improved? What hasn't?
  7. WQS
  8. JD: And how do you see your own position in the Chinese art scene today? Do you see yourself as someone who is part of the establishment? Critiquing the system as an outsider? An educator for new generations of artists?
  9. WQS
  10. JD: In your earlier work, non-Chinese (Westerners) show up only incidentally, if at all. Yet in your newer work they have a more central position. Can you tell us a little about how these individuals fit into your work, thematically or metaphorically?
  11. WQS
  12. JD: From your perspective, has the role of the collector in the Chinese art scene changed in the past five years? What are the contributing factors?
  13. WQS
  14. JD: And how about the role of museums and galleries, art fairs, and auction houses?
  15. WQS
  16. JD: Do you find that younger Chinese photographers are taking a fundamentally different approach to their work than you and your contemporaries?
  17. WQS
  18. JD: Are there any emerging Chinese artists or photographers you’re keeping an eye on?
  19. WQS
  20. JD: What would you say is your "optimal status"?
  21. WQS
  22. JD: Could you give us a brief description of " The History of Monuments ," the enormously long photographic frieze you completed last year? What prompted you to undertake such an ambitious and complicated work?
  23. WQS
  24. JD: Is there anything more you would like our readers to know? Do you have any plans for yourself in the near future?
  25. WQS
  26. JD: Thank you for participating in our interview. Congratulations on the opening of your new exhibition, and we look forward to your lecture at the China Institute tomorrow night.
  27. " Wang Qingsong: When Worlds Collide " will be on view at the International Center of Photography in New York through May 8, 2011.
  28. The Jing Daily team would like to thank David Appel of the International Center of Photography for arranging the interview, and Dr. Agnes Hsu of the China Institute for organizing Wang Qingsong's Art Salon.
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Published January 28, 2011

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