"Crossing China" is a journey through the fascinating art and cultural scene of China on the threshold of the 21st century. The stations are the seven major cultural capitals of the rapidly developing People's Republic of China: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The individual chapters introduce the reader to the most important and influential protagonists of the closely interlinked sectors of contemporary art and architecture within each city. Crossing China strives to provide the reader with a feeling for the similarities and differences between the various regions, and especially for the uniqueness and liveliness of the Chinese art and cultural scene, which is still largely uncharted. The book presents personalities and positions from all fields of contemporary art, ranging from painting, photography and drawing, as well as sculpture, installation and performance, the so-called new media. A significant role is also played by the new Chinese architecture, which steps out of the shadows of the internationally active star-architects of the West. Selected buildings and projects are presented here as unique and independent cultural accomplishments. A lavishly illustrated book, Crossing China presents a first comprehensive overview of the Chinese art and cultural scene, which not only provides the layman and amateur with profound insight, but also acts as a stimulator of new points of view for art experts and cultural enthusiasts alike. The book is thus targeted at, among others, all those who are interested in global art and architecture, collectors of international contemporary art, gallery owners and curators. Text in English, German Colour throughout
