Tai Kwun | Stay Connected: Art and China Since 2008

Description

The panoramic exhibition Stay Connected: Art and China Since 2008 presents twenty-first century art that addresses changes in social realities in China and their impacts on the world. Framed through the dual lenses of digital technology and the manufacturing supply chain, the two chapters, titled Stay Connected: Navigating the Cloud and the forthcoming Stay Connected: Supplying the Globe, trace a constellation of innovative and alternative artistic practices as well as cultural transformations during this period.

Navigating the Cloud presents more than 50 artworks by over 35 artists and groups who examine the transformations in contemporary art practices and in society brought on by the spread of the internet and digital technologies. The exhibition showcases artists whose practices reflect the integration of the internet, social media platforms, and digital technologies into all aspects of daily life. 

The artworks in Navigating the Cloud are presented in eight thematic sections that highlight subjects including information bubbles, artificial intelligence, communities formed through the internet, and the changing nature of human labour with the use of digital technologies. These sections guide the audience to reflect on how we can overcome boundaries and divisions in order to “stay connected” in a world where the digital and physical realms are already inseparable.

Along with two interconnected chapters, Stay Connected: Art and China Since 2008 encompasses cross-disciplinary activities, including video screenings, curatorial talks, learning and engagement programmes, and the launch of a companion publication in early 2026 produced in collaboration with Asia Art Archive (Hong Kong). 

Curators: Dr. Pi Li, Ying Kwok

Participating artists: aaajiao, Cao Fei, Chen Chieh-Jen, Chen Zhe, Cheng Xinhao, Ge Yulu, Gong Jian, Guan Xiao, Guo Cheng, Hao Jingban, He Zike, Phoebe Hui, Jiang Zhi, Kong Chun Hei, Vvzela Kook, Lam Pok Yin, Lawrence Lek, Li Hanwei, Li Shuang, Li Yi-Fan, Lin Ke, Liu Xinyi, Lu Yang, Ma Lijiao, Miao Ying, Shao Chun, Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, Wong Kit Yi, Wong Ping, Xijing Men, Yao Qingmei, Ye Funa, Samson Young, Yu Guo, Zhang Yibei, Payne Zhu

Associate Curators: Jill Angel Chun, Shuman Wang

Lead Patron:
Hawk HE – Octone Foundation