Top German art works in Beijing for ties anniversary

World
Europe

Nearly 320 contemporary German art works are now on display at seven venues in Beijing, with Chinese visitors able to trace how artists reflected on the profound changes sweeping Germany after World War II.

The "Deutschland 8 – German Art in China" exhibition is one of the cultural activities celebrating 45 years of diplomatic ties between China and Germany.

“In German art works of the 1950s and 60s, characteristic traces of the country’s transformation can clearly be seen. They express their feelings about life in the cities or in the countryside. Some were critical, and some tried to voice the complexity and contradictions of the society,” said Fan Di’an, president of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, where one of the exhibitions is being held.

'Wald (Forest)' by Uwe Kowski /CGTN Photo

One of the best known German painters of that period was Jorg Immendorff. Throughout his career, the artist addressed the issue of what it means to be a German artist, especially in light of the profound burdens of the Nazi past.

And then there was the subsequent division of the country into two opposing ideological world views that lasted more than four decades. He often used irony and heavy symbolism to convey political ideas.

‘The Next Day’ by Hubert Kiecol /CGTN Photo

In "The Next Day" by Hubert Kiecol in 2005, the objects themselves ostensibly refer to domestic architecture. But the chaotic arrangement of the individual elements is far removed from modern urban planning.

It is as though the artist were asking viewers to look beyond the forms and materials to perceive something more profound and perhaps universal.

Others just try to depict something closer to life. Stephan Balkenhol’s sculpted figures wear inconspicuous clothing and without any special physical features.

They show no individual emotions. Calm and silent, they do not stand there as heroes, but rather as the anonymous “everyman”.

The China exhibitions follow a counterpart program of Chinese art in eight German cities two years ago.