The Second Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane, Australia, 1996 : Report

Wang Guang Yi , a professor at the Oil Painting Department of the Hubei Institute of Art and Technology, Wuhan, is a major figure in the contemporary Chinese art scene. He was one of the founders of the Northern Art Group in the 1 980s and also, one of the leading artists of the Chinese pop art movement in the 1 990s. Since 1 993 he has been concentrating on installation art. His installation Paradise explores the theme of narcotics and their socio­ psychological dimensions. The artist says in his statement: I intend to express my reflections on the theme of 'narcotic drugs' , a question of international concern . In a certain sense, 'drugs' have indeed brought tremendous harm to humanity as a whole; but from the perspective of individuals, they are also able to bring about the instantaneous realisation of 'dreams'. Therefore, as I see it, the dividing line between 'Paradise' and 'Hell' is very tenuous indeed. Wang Jian Wei is one of the leading figures of multimedia art i n China, and works also as a painter in the Beijing Art Studio. His engagement with installation art started in the 1 990s and his work explores the relationships between science, philosophy, art and society. The installation Model comprises electronic, clinical and laboratory elements. The work involves public interaction and explores the theme of scientific experimentation , as well as the relationship between humans and nature. In a generally anonymous state the action named by technology and knowledge provides a possibility of new existence which is constructed by the multitudinous numbers of material elements and their mutual relationship in a common space (Alienation? Connection?) . (extract from artist's statement) Wang Luyan, one of the members of the New Measurement Group, has been working for several years on the idea of paradoxical machines; that is to say machines that, while operated in a conventional way, produce unexpected effects. 3