Uncooperative Contemporaries: Art Exhibitions in Shanghai c. 2000

"Shanghai's 'exhibition frenzy' in 2000 presented conflicting positions at a transitional moment for 'global' contemporary art. This book explores what was at stake for modernity, contemporaneity, nationalism, internationalism and globalism in the city at the time, while looking back from diverse perspectives today. Landmark artist-led initiatives are analysed alongside the state-led Shanghai Biennale, then in its third edition, with the terrain further complicated by public interventions and commercial initiatives. What contrasting modes of public address were developed? How did visitors engage at the time, and how may we engage afresh now? And how might this moment in Shanghai index wider transformations of the art field?"--Provided by publisher.… (more)