Renowned Chinese conceptual artist Xu Bing named Hong Kong’s ambassador for cultural promotion
- Xu’s work has been displayed at some of the world’s top venues, including the British Museum and Museum of Modern Art in New York
- ‘His works of art not only embody the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, but also integrate it with new elements,’ culture chief says
World-renowned Chinese conceptual artist Xu Bing has been appointed as a new ambassador for cultural promotion, as part of Hong Kong’s efforts to elevate its position in the international arts community.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said on Thursday that Xu was widely recognised as one of the most innovative and influential contemporary artists for his unparalleled originality and creativity.
Xu’s work has been displayed at some of the world’s top venues, including the British Museum and Museum of Modern Art in New York and he once served as vice-president of China’s Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA).
At the appointment ceremony, Xu said he had a “profound appreciation” for Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic characteristics, noting the city’s blend of East-meets-West “strongly resonates” with his own mentality.
He said Hong Kong had long been influential through its films and culture and that he would work to encourage cultural exchanges and foster new opportunities for local talent.
He is set to plan a series of large-scale art projects across Hong Kong as part of his about five-year tenure, according to the Culture Bureau.
Yeung called Xu an “ideal professional” with “exceptional” international exposure who could enhance the city’s position in cultural exchanges and foster the growth of local talent.
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“His works of art not only embody the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, but also integrate it with new elements,” Yeung said. “His artistic style has enabled more people to appreciate Chinese culture and art, as well as the development of new technology, earning him international acclaim.
“We look forward to seeing Master Xu create more works with local characteristics and showing Hong Kong’s exceptional cultural charm to the world.”
The government announced the appointment as thousands of visitors descend on the city for Art Basel Hong Kong, Asia’s largest contemporary art fair and part of the city’s wider “Art March” campaign.
Xu joins Oscar-winning Chinese-American composer Tan Dun, who was the first person appointed to the role in 2022.
Famous for pieces such as Book from the Sky, a years-long project with 4,000 fake Chinese “words” that is on display at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Xu’s work has drawn international acclaim for decades.
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Xu, born in Chongqing in 1955, was raised in Beijing and studied at CAFA’s printing department. He earned a master’s degree from the institution in 1987.
He spent 17 years living in the United States starting in 1990, before returning to Beijing in 2007 to take up leadership positions at CAFA, such as vice-president.
Xu’s works have been featured in many of the world’s top art galleries, including the Guggenheim in New York. He has also been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship, or the “genius grant.”
