State Legacy: research in the visualization of political history

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This exhibition is a UK first and presents previously unseen works by five prominent contemporary Chinese artists. The exhibition presents new commissions responding to the achievements and problems of China's recent industrialisation and modernisation, generating debate about the role of art in post-industrial societies. Featured works include, Wang Guangyi's installation, East Wind - Golden Dragon Car, a replica model of the first ever Chinese produced car that was presented to Chairman Mao as a gift. Lu Hao's Replicated Memory, a large-scale light box showing a map of Beijing, with ghost-like models of the city gates that were destroyed during modernisation. Wang Jianwei has made The Grandstand - Tiananmen, a virtual civic installation, produced in partnership with ARUP, Manchester. Zeng Li presents a series of photographs entitled The Shuicheng Iron and Steel Works, detailing an abandoned factory that had remained hidden amongst mountains during the cold-war. And Sui Jianguo's Raising Speed on the Railway, a multi-screened projection of a high-speed train as it travels around a circular testing track. A publication of selected essays, images and background research documents will be available to accompany the exhibition.