Factory 798

Human Egg at 798
Originally uploaded by penglisha

Today, Ryan, Hana and I went to Factory 798, an old electronics factory that has been revived as a center for modern art. The large compound maintains its image of a factory with rough, functional buildings, stone walls, and heavy doors. Inside, however, the galleries are clean and minimalist, showcasing impressive paintings, photographs, sculptures, and installations.

While Factory 798 has the same feel as SoHo, the Chinese influence is definitly evident. I especially liked the pieces that referred to motifs from traditional China like qipaos, flower blossoms, wood carvings, Ming porcelain, but re-created them with a modern twist. For instance, one artist, 王海卫 Wang Haiwei painted women in traditional traditional Chinese dress and poses in a colorful, abstract style. Also, once exhibit feature Ming Porcelain designs applied to objects such as shovels and hatchets.

China is not especially well-known for its modern art scene, but Factory 798 definitly provided a compelling selection of contemporary Chinese art.

To see the rest of my photos, follow this link to my Facebook album:
http://middlebury.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2027554&l=b0637&id=4403142