WHAT
The group exhibition highlights significant works by four key figures of the Xing Xing (Stars Art Group), formed in Beijing in the summer of 1979: Wang Keping, Huang Rui, Li Shuang, and Ma Desheng. Alongside archival materials, the exhibition showcases the pivotal role that the Stars Art Group and its 1979 exhibition played in the history of Chinese contemporary art. The show features key artworks, including Huang Rui’s ‘The Guitar’s Story’ (1979), Wang Keping’s ‘Silence’ (1978) and ‘Idol’, Ma Desheng’s woodblock prints (1979-1981), and Li Shuang’s figurative paintings.

For more information on the Stars Art Group, click here for the Learn Module published by AARRTT.

WHY
The Stars Art Group marked a turning point in Chinese contemporary art by challenging traditional norms and advocating for artistic freedom. By presenting their works outside official channels, including the groundbreaking Stars Art Exhibition, they initiated a new artistic discourse that integrated individuality and social relevance. Curated by Marcella Lista, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore their contributions, highlighting their exploration of Expressionism, Modernism, and Abstraction, and their profound impact on the development of Chinese art.