12 March – 30 April 2008
As part of Asia Triennial Manchester 08 and CHINA NOW, Chinese Arts Centre hosts Chongqing painter Mao Yan Yang as he continues his interrogation of the media’s depiction of events and creates new works around the triennial’s theme of protest.
Mao Yan Yang’s powerful paintings present his own unique slant on recent history challenging the view we so often obediently accept. The media bombards us with reports and images which show only one angle on the events taking place, yet these reports serve to entirely shape our understanding of the world. Mao uses stock Time magazine images and re-works them in his paintings to present an alternative view of historical figures and events. The recurring theme in his work is the group of microphones that always occupy the central foreground and intrude on every scene. The microphones emphasise the communication filters that exist between what actually happens and the information we receive.
A month into his Breathe residency at Chinese Arts Centre, Mao has been producing new works along a political theme to be exhibited at the open studio later this month. Currently living, and working intensely, in the unique purpose built residency space at Chinese Arts Centre, Mao’s open studio at the end of the residency will be his first exhibition of his work in the UK. Showing three works brought over from China alongside the new works completed during his residency, the exhibition in the studio space will be a chance to meet Mao and experience his challenging, thought provoking works.
Mao Yan Yang was born in Hunan, China in 1980 and lives and works in Chongqing. He graduated with a Masters from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2005 and has since shown in many exhibitions in China.
Last year won first prize in the Chinese Arts Prize by Yue Sai Kan.
Mao Yan Yang’s residency is part of Asia Triennial Manchester 08, the UK’s first Asian art triennial. Initiated by Shisha, ATM08 opens 5 April – 1 June and features exciting exhibitions, events, discussions and residencies which showcase the very best of contemporary art from across Asia. Visit www.asiatriennialmanchester.com for more information.
Mao’s residency also forms part of CHINA NOW, the UK’s largest festival of Chinese culture. Visit China Now for full details of over 800 events celebrating 21st century China across the UK.
