Published in the Zooming into Focus catalog, 2005

Contemporary art in China reflects the country’s rising influence as an economic, political and cultural force in the global arena. Chinese artists are gaining international recognition for their potent artworks that address a rapidly changing society; influenced by Western ideals and art practice, their creative production nevertheless remains distinctly Chinese in its content and aesthetic. Several of these artists have exhibited their work in major exhibitions such as documenta in Germany, the Venice Biennale in Italy, and the Shanghai Biennial and Guangzhou Triennial in China, but have had little exposure in the United States.

The first project of its kind in this country, Zooming into Focus: Contemporary Chinese Photography and Video from the Haudenschild Collection features the work of many of the most noteworthy Chinese artists working today, including Cao Fei, Chen Shaoxiong, Feng Mengbo, Hong Hao, Shi Yong, Weng Fen, Xiang Liqing, Xu Zhen, Yang Fudong, Yang Yong, Yang Zhenzhong, Zhao Bandi and Zheng Guogu. In two exhibitions, the project highlights the extraordinary photography and video being created by these artists in a country that is undergoing tremendous growth and development. This swift transformation of Chinese culture is reflected in the work of each of the artists, who comment on contemporary Chinese life with intelligence, wit, anxiety and nostalgia.

All of the works in both exhibitions are presented at the University Art Gallery through a generous loan from the Haudenschild Collection. Noted art collectors and alumni Eloisa and Chris Haudenschild have created one of the largest and most significant groupings of contemporary Chinese photography and video in the world. Focusing on the work of experimental artists from China’s lively urban centers, such as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, the collection has become a landmark contribution to the field of international contemporary art. In addition to lending their collection of new Chinese works, the Haudenschilds have commissioned a performance by Shi Yong and a video installation by Yang Zhenzhong that will premiere in San Diego.

In conjunction with Zooming into Focus, an extensive educational program that consists of a keynote lecture, a symposium, a screening and three artists’ residencies will be presented at San Diego State University and partnering institutions in San Diego. A complete listing of the program, as well as related events in San Diego, Tijuana and Hangzhou. Together, the exhibitions and educational program comprise a comprehensive project intended to showcase contemporary Chinese art, and to encourage viewers to appreciate today’s China with new insight and perspective.

In November of 2002, at the invitation of Eloisa Haudenschild, I had the opportunity to view the first works of contemporary Chinese photography that she and Chris had collected during a visit to Shanghai. Overwhelmed by the power and vitality of the images, I immediately declared my desire to exhibit the photographs at the University Art Gallery. Eloisa responded with equally-instant enthusiasm, and our adventure began. With Chris’s and the University’s blessing, we traveled together to China in January of 2003. We met with artists, curators and gallerists in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hangzhou, and viewed two major exhibitions, The First Guangzhou Triennial and the 2002 Shanghai Biennial. Following this trip, during which the collection grew, we began to discuss the exhibition, possible educational events, and a modest brochure that would document the project.

As the Haudenshilds continued to collect photographs and video works during the first several months of 2003, it became clear that their impressive collection warranted two exhibitions at the University Art Gallery and a substantial catalogue with scholarly essays. And as Eloisa met with relevant artists, curators and collectors in Paris, New York, Venice and San Francisco, she planted the seeds of a broad-based series of educational programs featuring international participants. Finally, through recent meetings in Shanghai and Guangzhou, and with colleagues from Tijuana, Eloisa successfully paved the way for the photography exhibition to travel to museums in China and Mexico.

On behalf of those who view the exhibitions, partake of the educational programs, or read this book—both here and abroad—I am grateful for the generosity of Eloisa and Chris Haudenschild. Their joyful willingness to share their collection is a special gift to us all. I also would like to express appreciation for Eloisa’s collaborative commitment to the project and her passionate devotion to art. Her dedication to the work of young artists has made a difference in their lives, and has benefited the world of contemporary art.

My personal thanks are expressed to Eloisa Haudenschild for her inspirational spirit and her absolute trust.

Tina Yapelli, Director, University Art Gallery, 2003

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This text appeared in the exhibition catalogue “Zooming into Focus: Contemporary Chinese Photography and Video from the Haudenschild Collection”, copyright 2003 by the University Art Gallery, San Diego State University, and is re-printed with permission.