The brand new Ullens Centre / UCCA in 798 now offers the unique possibility to see a fantastic selection of art by Chinese artists in the 1980s, particularly in light of the climate these artists worked in at the time.

The standards of Socialist Realism that had dominated the whole cultural scene in Maoist times came to an end after 1978. Artists pleaded for the right of free artistic expression. With the arrival of the Eighties came a new more stimulating era for artistic expression.

Heated discussions were held on art, culture and society with culture booming in every possible aspect. At the same time it was a confusing time for many people. Chinese contemporary art had not hit the world scene yet and was still limited to the confines of the country. Chinese art was not recognised and therefore had no commercial value. Artists were artists just as a way of life and not for the money.

During the lecture you will gain an overview of the art scene at the time, of the general conditions in art production with reference to a number of artists' work and statements.

About the Lecturer

Jeanne Boden is a Belgian Sinologist and Director of ChinaConduct, a consulting company based in Belgium. She is a research fellow at the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies, a co-operation between the Free University of Brussels and Renmin Daxue. She is also the author of "De Essentie van China" (The Essence of China), a book which focuses on Chinese culture and its influence on business communication. The English version of the book will be published later this year.