ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of contemporary art in China during 2010. A key transition is that the role of Western curators has shifted from “imperial envoy” to “contract laborer”. Writing the history of contemporary art has entrenched some paradigms as “classics” that can be swayed by power-holders and the Capital, and then become the archenemy of “Open Society”. Contemporary art that is truly “contemporary” refers to creative practices ongoing at the present time, and contemporary art’s being “contemporary” means it has not yet become History. By addressing the issues, the author clarifies the ideas underpinning the Chinese Modern Art Archive and the Annual of Contemporary Art in China, as well as the work methods deployed.
