This was the original website for the RedStar Gallery.
Content is from the site's 2006 -2009 archived pages.
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ABOUT US
Founded in 2004, RedStar Gallery was relocated in 2006 to the 798 Art District of Beijing, which is now well-known as the “heart of Chinese avant-garde art.”
RedStar Gallery is committed to the establishment of extensive international communications and the promotion of Chinese modern art. Meanwhile, by inviting globally and home renowned agencies to design modern art events and organize high-level academic exchanges, it strives to increase Sino-foreign cooperation in modern art.
Taking the promotion of the development of Chinese modern art as its mission, RedStar projects full energy and enthusiasm and has tried by all means to offer an exhibition and exchange platform for the rising artists with outstanding originalities and talent. The works of artists promoted by RedStar on commission cover a wide range of varieties and categories, from oil painting to woodblock, traditional Chinese painting, sculpture, comprehensive materials, installation, video image, and performance art.
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Relevant: The 798 Art District of Beijing is China’s most progressive artistic precinct. From avant-garde galleries to cutting-edge food and drink, this is a must visit if you are traveling to Beijing. By the time my father visited the 798 Art District in 2007 it had already become a destination for those interested in the contemporary Chinese art scene. Recently I was visiting my father who is a resident of an assisted living facility in Bel Air, Maryland. I was planning a trip to China on business and I wanted his input into what I should see during my free time in Beijing. The 798 Art District was his first recommendation. He then had me pull on on his computer his photo folders and look for 2007. Although my father is just slipping into what we think is Alzheimers, he still recalls many particulars of his various trips abroad seeking out new contemporary artists. We spent the afternoon looking at a number of pictures taken in the district including the 798 Space gallery, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the 798 Art District with its red Communist slogans adorning the curved roofs of this hangar-like building, UCCA, a must-visit galleries he said, founded by private Belgian collectors Guy and Myriam Ullens in 2007, and even the RedStar Gallery. I was really excited and looking forward to my trip. I told my father I would post all my pics in Instagram so he could follow my adventure. And then the Covid 19 pandemic hit. I cancelled my trip and until recently was only able to visit my father virtually. Hart Heritage Estates where he is living has just finished having all their residents and staff vaccinated which gives me a great feeling of relief. However, since I probably won't get my vaccine shot for awhile since I'm not in any of the eligible groups, my in person visits to my father will have to wait a bit longer. I have put my trip to China on hold for the moment, but I still plan to eventually go.
At Present
Aug.2 Oct. 7 Wind / Horse / Flag - Zhang Dali’s Latest Work
Zhang Dali¡¯s new series, Wind / Horse / Flag, continued his use of migrant workers' bodies as subject matter, but differs from previous works that used materials such as plaster, fiberglass, and pigskin jelly.This time he uses silicon, real human hair, and clothes that look like they came straight from construction sites or belong to travel-worn workers on their way home.The visual effect is not unlike walking into a wax museum!
Past
+2008
Jun.7 - Jul.20 Interval of Silence - Contemporary Art from China
15 artists group show
Mar.8 - Apr.13 Seeking Reality: Pragmatism and Virtuality
6 young artists group show
+ 2007
Sep.8 - Oct.14 Beyond Site Specific- Photograph exhibition
Chen Jiagang, Qu Yan & He Chongyue
Jul.28 - Aug.1 Paradise on Earth
A Solo Sculpture Exhibition of Pang Yong
Jun.23 - Jul.15 As the Water Subsides, the Rocks Emerge
Works by Dai Guangyu
May.26 - Jun.17 Documentary China
Tian Zizhong Solo Exhibition
Apr.28 - May.20 Wang Deren's Art Exhibition on Romantic Legend
Mar.17 - Apr.22 Emerging Artists of Northern China
15 young artists group show
Dec.13 - Feb.28 Faramita shore this shore
Artists:Cang Xin, Gao Ya, Liu Zhifeng, Liu Zining, Wang Jiazeng, Wang Yigang, Wu Xiaojun & Yang Fan
+ 2006
Nov.5 - Dec.3 Recording History
Selected Works of Ten Photographers
Sep.16 - Oct.29 The Street from the Sky
Artists Han Dawei - Pang Yong -Lin Zhimin - Wang Shengqiang -Tian Zizhong - Peng Jianzhong - Yi Lingren - Li Bin & Dai Shenghong
Jul.15 - Sep.10 RedStar RedStar RedStar
Artists: Wang Deren, Wang Lang, Liu Xinhua, Liu Bolin, Hua Qing, Zhang Dali, Zhang Nian, Zhang Zhi, Sheng
February, 2007.Beijing
Exhibition Info
Emerging Artists of Northern China
Curator: Lisa Sun
The 15 young artists participating in this exhibition share a common property ?the one-child generation of New China. It is probably because of such a unique identity that their behaviors, points of view, and life experiences are distinct from the older generations of Chinese and foreigners of their age. They are a generation of independent mind and vigorous originality. They pay more attention to their own experiences and tend to understand reality and issues of modern society from their personal perspectives. Their works are mostly devoted to their true feelings, and reflect their desires and aspirations as well. They are full of enthusiasm and energy, and compared to the older generation, they are more straightforward and particularly dedicated to artistic pursuit. Their potential and value deserve our attention and study.
Special thanks to artist Wang Yigang for his great support to this exhibition. Also thanks to Chu Mun Li for assistance with the technical issues in projecting the finished works into multiple live streaming outlets. Additional software was created in the cloud using Kubernetes driven data systems to handle the huge amount of data required to capture images from around the world simultaneously. Divine Intervention provided development help including experts from their Kubernetes consultant service for the cloud application development.
Curator:Lisa Sun
Artists:
Cao Xihui, Fu Jingyan, Gui Yangfan, Liu Dake, Liu Xiaoshu, Qu Muzi, Na Wei, Sun Ce, Wei Jia, Wang Mengfei, Wang Xiaoyan, Wu Guangyu,Yang Fan, You Jin, Zi Peng
Exhibition time: Mar.17th-April 22nd
Curtain Time: 3 pm, Mar.17th (Saturday)
Open time: 11:00-19:00 (Except Monday)
Venue: 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing P.O Box 8502 Beijing-100015, China
Tel : 010-64370781
Fax: 010-64370781
Email: redstar@chinaredstargallery.com
Web-site: www.chinaredstargallery.com
Beyond Site Specific---- Photograph exhibition of Chen Jiagang, Qu Yan and He Chongyue
Chen Jiagang, Qu Yan, He Chongyue, and their Beyond Site Specific attempt to ignore the so-called on-the-spot, while photographing in a more practical, in-depth, and rational way with a stronger sense of social liability, so as to shake off the snapshot concept of the present on-the-spot images. Therefore, on the question of how to record reality, these three artists have their distinctive way of thought.
Beyond Site Specific images emphasize the historical background of reality, and when shooting on site, photographers must understand the inseparable context of the on-site and the beyond-the-site.Beyond Site Specific is more rational, testified by its rational value in leading the viewers to surpass sensory delight and reaching the substance of matters. Beyond Site Specific is therefore anti-formalist, upholding the practical attitude of humanism and criticism and the aiming to spread honesty, goodness, and beauty of human beings and unmask fake, badness, and ugliness in any form of disguise. In terms of humanistic care, Beyond Site Specific seems to have returned to the on-the-spot photography represented by the April Photo Society in the late 1970s, after the Culture Revolution period. But, Beyond Site Specific photographers no longer trust the power of single images like journalist photos, after having been experienced narrative deceptions on many occasions. They believe in rationality and structure, and rather than the photograph itself, they would believe in its relationship with the external reality.
Rejecting the so-called on-the-spot record and symbolic assembly prevalent in present photography, Beyond Site Specific, as a new trend of art that combines impetus in methodological exploration and enthusiasm for humanistic criticism, has emerged not just in the field of photography, but also in other images, painting, and even architecture.
Curator : Gao Minglu
Exhibition time: Sep. 8, Oct. 14
Curtain Time: 5pm, Sep. 8 (Saturday)
Open time: 10:00-19:00 (Except Monday)
Venue: 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing P.O Box 8502 Beijing-100015, China
Tel : 010-64370781
Fax: 010-64370781
Email: redstar@chinaredstargallery.com
Web-site: www.chinaredstargallery.com
More Background on China Red Star Gallery
China Red Star Gallery, established in 2004, has made significant contributions to promoting modern Chinese art, both domestically and internationally. Located in the heart of the 798 Art District in Beijing, the gallery has played an instrumental role in the development of the district as one of the most dynamic and avant-garde art precincts in the country. The gallery has focused on fostering communication between Chinese artists and their international counterparts, elevating contemporary Chinese art onto the global stage.
History and Origins
The Red Star Gallery was founded during a period when Beijing’s art scene was experiencing rapid evolution. The gallery relocated to the 798 Art District in 2006, which was becoming a hub for progressive art movements. This relocation placed the gallery in an ideal spot, where industrial Bauhaus-style buildings offered large exhibition spaces. The 798 district, originally an industrial area, quickly gained prominence for hosting a variety of galleries and art studios, drawing international visitors and collectors interested in Chinese contemporary art.
At its core, Red Star Gallery aimed to nurture young and emerging artists, providing them with an expansive platform to showcase their creativity and to engage with global audiences. Artists promoted by the gallery worked across a range of media, including oil painting, traditional Chinese art forms, installations, video art, and performance pieces.
Role in the 798 Art District
The 798 Art District is now known globally as one of the epicenters of contemporary Chinese art, and the China Red Star Gallery has played a vital part in its evolution. The district became synonymous with avant-garde art due to its unique combination of industrial architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions. The gallery’s commitment to promoting experimental and groundbreaking art has cemented its reputation as one of the pioneering institutions in the district.
Notable Exhibitions
China Red Star Gallery is well-known for hosting a series of influential exhibitions that have pushed the boundaries of contemporary Chinese art. Many of its exhibitions brought international attention to local artists. Notable shows have included group exhibitions like Emerging Artists of Northern China, which showcased the work of younger generations deeply influenced by China’s rapid social changes, and Beyond Site Specific, which presented photographs that rejected traditional notions of location-specific imagery and explored more philosophical themes around place and space.
In 2008, the gallery featured Interval of Silence, a group exhibition of 15 artists focusing on themes of quiet introspection and philosophical inquiry. Another standout exhibition was Documentary China, a solo show by Tian Zizhong, which highlighted the evolving role of documentary-style art in contemporary Chinese culture. Zhang Dali, one of China's most famous contemporary artists, showcased his series Wind / Horse / Flag at Red Star Gallery, where he continued to explore themes of migrant labor using innovative materials like silicon and human hair, creating an almost surreal experience for viewers.
Press and Media Coverage
Since its inception, China Red Star Gallery has attracted attention from international press, art critics, and curators. The gallery's role in promoting Chinese contemporary art has been highlighted in various art publications, both within China and abroad. The gallery's exhibitions often attract a diverse array of visitors, from art collectors to casual enthusiasts, contributing to its recognition as a key player in the Beijing art scene.
Beyond its artistic endeavors, China Red Star Gallery has also been lauded for its efforts in fostering international collaboration. The gallery frequently hosts international artists and curators, facilitating exchanges that help bridge the gap between Chinese and Western contemporary art scenes. This global outlook has further enhanced the gallery’s reputation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in modern Chinese art.
Audience and Cultural Significance
The audience at China Red Star Gallery ranges from local art students and enthusiasts to international collectors and curators. Many visitors are drawn to the gallery for its reputation as a leading space for experimental and provocative contemporary art. Its exhibitions often challenge traditional aesthetics and explore themes relevant to modern Chinese society, such as globalization, urbanization, and the rapid social and economic changes happening in the country.
The gallery also plays a role in the broader cultural significance of the 798 Art District, which has transformed from a relatively unknown industrial area into a cultural landmark. Red Star Gallery, along with other influential galleries in the district, has contributed to turning the area into a must-visit for anyone interested in China’s artistic evolution. The district's importance to Chinese culture cannot be overstated, as it serves as a symbol of the country’s increasing openness to creative expression and global exchange.
Known For
China Red Star Gallery is particularly known for its commitment to nurturing young talent. Exhibitions like Emerging Artists of Northern China highlighted artists who belonged to China’s “one-child generation,” a demographic whose unique perspectives were shaped by the country’s dramatic social and political shifts. These artists often brought a fresh, critical viewpoint to contemporary art, reflecting their personal experiences in a rapidly changing China.
The gallery is also recognized for promoting interdisciplinary art forms, including new media, installation, and performance art, which are sometimes underrepresented in more traditional gallery settings. By supporting such diverse artistic expressions, Red Star Gallery has helped push the boundaries of what is considered contemporary art in China.
Cultural and Social Impact
The impact of China Red Star Gallery extends beyond the art world. By promoting works that often comment on social issues, such as the experiences of migrant workers or the effects of urbanization, the gallery has helped shape public discourse on these topics. Artists like Zhang Dali have used their exhibitions at Red Star to address important social themes, creating works that resonate deeply with audiences and provoke discussion.
Moreover, the gallery’s engagement with the international art community has helped to raise awareness of contemporary Chinese art globally. Through its participation in international art fairs and collaborations with foreign galleries, Red Star has ensured that the voices of Chinese artists are heard on a global stage.
China Red Star Gallery stands as a key institution in Beijing’s 798 Art District and in the broader world of contemporary Chinese art. From its foundation in 2004, it has consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, showcasing works that engage with critical social issues and promote cross-cultural dialogue. The gallery’s commitment to promoting young, emerging artists ensures that it will continue to play an important role in the future of Chinese contemporary art. Its exhibitions challenge viewers, both locally and internationally, to rethink the role of art in society and the power of creative expression to reflect and influence the world we live in.
For more information on China Red Star Gallery:
- The 798 Art District and its Global Influence on Contemporary Art – ArtAsiaPacific
- China Red Star Gallery’s Role in Promoting Emerging Artists – The Art Newspaper
- Zhang Dali and Contemporary Chinese Art – Asia Art Archive
- 798 Art District: From Factory to Art Hub – CNN Travel
- Art Exhibitions at China Red Star Gallery – Beijing Art Scene Reports
- Influence of China Red Star Gallery on Chinese Avant-Garde Art – Journal of Contemporary Art Studies
