The China Space - Alternative Art Space in Beijing and New York

2017

The project examined the emergence and development of Alternative Art Spaces in both New York and Beijing. The study analyzed the prevalent themes in the definition of Alternative Art Spaces, including mutual support, autonomy for artists, space for innovative art forms, resistance to commodification, and radicalism. Our definition of Alternative Art Space focused on its role as a site for a contextual approach to art with social and political responsibilities. The study used a comparative research approach to examine different contextual approaches in different social and political environments.

The research found that Alternative Art Spaces first emerged in New York during a period of artistic and political dissent, where civil rights and identity issues dominated American domestic politics. Alternative Art Spaces provided artists with more independence and autonomy in their work, and the criticism of museums and commercial galleries took on a new form that emphasized social and political responsibility.

Alternative Art Spaces appeared in Beijing in the 1990s, but many were not coined with the term until 2010, after more Chinese artists acquired art education and practice abroad. The study also listed strategies and modes of production and presentation for Alternative Art Spaces.

Yixuan Cai and I conducted this project as an RISD Independent Study under the instruction of Professor David Borgonjon. To request access to archival material, please email yjin42@ur.rochester.edu