Culture Club | Envoy the show: Chinese artworks on exhibit in Germany take on a greater diplomatic purpose

Centuries on since French philosopher Victor Cousin coined the iconic phrase l’art pour l’art (art for art’s sake) in the early 19th century, some still hold on to the belief that art serves no other purpose than art. But as time goes on, and art has become more widely spread and discussed among those outside of the so-called elite circle, “art for art’s sake” has become nothing more than wishful thinking.

While art exhibitions and events are held virtually every single day in every city, art has also expanded into a way of bonding among local communities. On an international level, art no doubt plays a role in diplomacy and international relations.

Currently on show is CHINA8. Featuring 120 contemporary Chinese artists – including artists from Hong Kong – and more than 500 of their works, the exhibition held in eight cities and nine museums along the Rhine and Ruhr region is the largest-ever showcase of Chinese contemporary art in the world.

Walter Smerling, spokesman for the curatorial committee and director of the MKM Museum Küppersmühle; Ferdinand Ullrich (Kunsthalle Recklinghausen); and Tobia Bezzola (Director of the Folkwang Museum) share the main responsibility for the artistic direction of the show.

Fan Di’an, president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, is a consultant to the curatorial committee.