Anyone who has paid even passing attention to art auctions in the last 10 years cannot have escaped the power of contemporary Chinese art. It is surprising to us then to hear that the upcoming exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in January is the first time an entire exhibition has been devoted to contemporary Chinese artists in France in 10 years. The exhibition, running though the spring, brings together 12 Chinese artists and their work.

Entitled “Bentu,” it references the concept of motherland or native land, which is what the term refers to specifically. Make no mistake though, this is not about national boundaries. Instead, it represents a dialogue between local and global and a process of self-discovery.

Works on display will examine a changing Chinese society with artists from different generations employing a wide range of techniques and materials. Alongside the installations, there will be classical and contemporary musical performances, as well as films and poetry.

Liu Shiyuan; “From Happiness to Wherever”; 2015

Among the veteran artists on display is Liu Xiaodong, who has experimented with both acting and painting. Also exhibiting is artist Cao Fei, who has directed and produced experimental documentaries. Liu Shiyuan, of a younger generation, will be also showing her work.

The exhibition examines local cultures, tradition, new technologies as well as the interaction between urban and rural. The focal point being identity.

The “Bentu” exhibition is not meant to give an overview of contemporary Chinese art.  Rather, organizers want to present the multifaceted aspect of it and how its forms are constantly evolving.

The exposition will begin on January 27, 2016 and run until April. Music, poetry and films will continue until September 5. The Foundation Louis Vuitton will also highlight a selection of its permanent collection of Chinese art from January 27 until September 5.

Cao Fei; “Strangers”; 205-2016