30r364 boek.qxd:awards book 11 - Prince Claus Fund

Li XiantingChinaCurator and critic, Li Xianting (b. 1949, Jilin Province) is a pillar of modern Chinese art. A moverand shaker at a turning point in the country’s history, he recognised and encouraged emergingtalent, promoted new trends, and organised ground-breaking exhibitions such as ‘China/Avant-Garde’ at the National Art Museum (1989). He edited Meishu (Fine Art) magazine and later theChina Fine Art Newspaper, writing insightful reviews and important theoretical articles, and wasinstrumental in bringing contemporary Chinese artists to national and international attention.A catalyst in the development of new generations of avant-garde artists, Li Xianting challengedthe authorities, opened up space for experimentation, fought for reform of the national artssystem and was a lifeline for many independent artists. After the protests at Tiananmen Square(1989), he continued to lecture and curate international shows including ‘Mao Goes Pop’ (1993)and the China pavilion at the 45th Venice Biennale (1995). He is director of Songzhuang ArtMuseum where he curates stimulating exhibitions, organises conferences and promotes pro fes -sional art criticism, as well as running a fund for independent filmmaking and research.Li Xianting is honoured for his lifetime dedication to the development of contemporary artin China, for his rigorous analytical thought in difficult circumstances, and for championingindividuality and freedom of spirit.[from the 2008 Prince Claus Awards Jury Report]Culture and the Human Body57