In his new book, Wu Hung raises timely questions about artistic freedom and censorship. Here, as in the Smart Museum's exhibition "Canceled: Exhibiting Experimental Art in China, " Wu uses the government's cancellation of the exhibition "It's Me" (Beijing, 1998) to anchor his analysis of the challenges faced by contemporary Chinese artists and curators.
During this time of rapid change in mainland China, artists and curators are seeking new ways to show work, and finding new allies, patrons and audiences. They are investigating ways to respond to official antagonism, to realize the...