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Canton Express 2017 at M+ Pavilion[/caption]
Originally part of the historic exhibition Zone of Urgency curated by Hou Hanru in the Arsenale section of the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003, this exhibition is considered a major showcase of works by artists and cultural institutions active in the Pearl River Delta since the end of the 20th Century. Highlighting the impacts on the cultural landscape of the Pearl River Delta, this display emphasises the dynamic and unique conceptual contemporary art practices towards the everyday life from that area, which were in stark contrast to previous interpretations of Chinese contemporary art that placed more emphasis on realism, figurative styles and various political dimensions.
Canton Express: Works From 14 Artists
A collaborative project, the exhibition presents works from 14 artists and independent art spaces which highlights their views via a wide range of mixed media, from visual arts and film to publications, in aim to weave a story surrounding the unprecedented process of urbanisation since the 1990s.
As the fourth exhibition to be held at the M+ Pavilion, a permanent space in the West Kowloon Cultural District that will host the museum’s exhibitions until the opening in late 2019, Canton Express demonstrates the extensive research, conservation efforts and the museum’s commitment to preserving contemporary artwork produced for a specific condition, unfolding the fascinating stories on communities and support behind the original exhibition. This exhibition also traces the rich cultural connections between the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong, highlighting the chronology and presents to viewers the results from this research, complemented by exclusive insights into the back of house and conservation methods.
Featured Work
Featuring a wide range of works – including photography, sculpture, video, installation and archival materials, the restaging of this exhibition enhances the far-sighted experimentations on shaping a unique artistic language from this region. The 2017 presentation includes works by Chen Shaoxiong, Duan Jianyu, Feng Qianyu, Jiang Zhi, Jin Jiangbo, Liang Juhui, Libreria Borges Bookshop (Chen Tong and Lu Yi), Lin Yilin, Liu Heng, U-theque Organisation (Ou Ning and Cao Fei), Vitamin Creative Space, Xu Tan, Yang Yong, and Zheng Guogu.
Highlighted artworks include Zheng Guogu’s 2017 reiteration of Sample Room (2003), produced by Yangjiang using kitchenware to reference the ways in which local manufacturers sold to overseas markets through the use of sample rooms and communication technology. While most components of the 2003 installation were lost after the exhibition, Sample Room was recreated based on photographic records and detailed email correspondence on the work.
The Guan Yi donation to M+ consists of 37 pieces that together comprises the entire exhibition of Canton Express, and spans 26 years (from 1979 to 2005). In addition to the Canton Express project, the donation also includes works by artists Chen Wenbo, Duan Jianyu, Gu Dexin, Huang Rui, Huang Yongping, the New Measurement Group, Shen Yuan, Wang Guangyi, Wang Luyan, Wang Yin, Wu Shanzhuan, Xu Zhen, Yan Lei, Zhang Peili and Zhou Tiehai.
“Canton Express highlights our museum’s crucial role in promoting local and regional art and presenting it within a wider, international context,” said Mr Doryun Chong, deputy director and chief curator of M+. “The exhibition also proves that pioneering research into contemporary art conservation processes is essential to ensure that historically significant works produced can be enjoyed for the years to come.”
“Visitors to Canton Express will get a broad perspective on contemporary art produced at the end of the 20th century within the Pearl River Delta, including Hong Kong,” said Dr Pi Li, Sigg senior curator, Visual Art of M+. “With this exhibition, we are proud to offer an unprecedented glimpse into the museum’s philosophy and on-going efforts on collection conservation. The exhibition also provides interesting insights into a time when the art community in the region worked together to realise a historical exhibition under very challenging circumstances.” 
| Speaker: | Natalie Harding, Associate Conservator, Objects |
| Date: | 9 September (Saturday) |
| Time: | 4:30pm |
| Language: | English, with Cantonese simultaneous interpretation |
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