The pioneering survey
Bao explains that the past 35 years in China have been a time of rapid development amid global upheaval so this generation, shaped by these dynamics, holds distinct perspectives compared to previous ones.
He highlighted that while generational differences among artists are minor, individual differences are significant.
"Our exhibition for young artists aims to capture a slice of this era through their art and creations," Bao explains.
The exhibition originated from the "90X90X90: Survey of Chinese Young Artists" project launched by the Beijing Dangdai Art Fair last year. This initiative involved asking 90 questions to 90 artists born in the 1990s about their creative processes, lifestyles and values, aiming to depict and analyze their artistic identity and characteristics.
Bao, co-founder and artistic director of the Beijing Dangdai Art Fair, spent the past year traveling across China, visiting cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Wuhan in Hubei province. He conducted in-person interviews with nearly 90 young artists meeting some in their studios, others in cafes, and some amid preparations for their upcoming exhibitions.
"The project is a sociological survey covering their age, geographic diversity, educational background, family background, views on marriage, relationships, children, and their perspectives on art," Bao explains.
After speaking with them, Bao initially thought most young artists were outgoing but found that many are quite introverted. "Many don't drink coffee, alcohol or smoke. They prefer a quiet, home-centered lifestyle, going to bed early," Bao notes.
"These young artists have diverse backgrounds. Some have extensive international experiences in education and life, while others have never left their hometown," Bao explains. "But overall, they share a strong desire for success."
Bao emphasized the significant impacts of social media on these young artists. "The internet provides them a quicker way to connect with audiences and they are skilled at using new media to showcase themselves and their work," he adds.
In the exhibition's Future Aboriginals section, Bao highlights how young artists perceive technology's impacts on daily life.
"As artists born after 1990, natives of the internet age, their sensitivity to information, familiarity with technology and innovative use of media give them a natural ability for artistic expression," Bao explains.
"This chapter focuses not on showcasing high-tech gadgets but exploring how technology influences society and how artists observe and translate this impact into their creative language," he elaborates.
