Journal

Qi Zhilong in his studio, 2024. Photo by Kye Fisher

Li Xianting remarked of his role as an editor and a critic as follows:

I just wanted to draw people’s attention towards a certain issue. I wanted to stir debate and stoke discourse

Guan Kan 观看 attempts to stand in this tradition, and uphold Mr Li’s dedication to critical investigation on Contemporary Chinese Art. Below you will find a series of essays, criticism, interviews with artists, art theory and art writing, aimed at analyzing the history and future of art.

Scholarly debate and analysis is welcomed by the journal as well as negotiating intercultural differences which may arise.

To join this discussion, please get in contact with Guan Kan 观看

Li Xianting: In Conversation with the Hooligan
Interview Kye Fisher Interview Kye Fisher

Li Xianting: In Conversation with the Hooligan

In June 2024, a group of students and academics from the University of Western Australia bursting with energy, stepped into the house of Li Xianting. His calm demeanour brought them some peace as his insights into the more esoteric nature of Chinese contemporary art which engrossed their minds. The following is a transcript of the conversation- part interview and part speech- conducted by Li Xianting (LX), Darren Jorgensen (DJ) and Kye Fisher (KF).

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Lü Peng: An Encounter with The Entrepreneur
Interview Kye Fisher Interview Kye Fisher

Lü Peng: An Encounter with The Entrepreneur

After a long 20 hour train from Beijing to Chengdu a group of students from the University of Western Australia sought relief from the invasive humidity in Lü Peng’s wisdom (and air conditioned room). Dr Lü generously offered them some tea during his Q&A session, the results of which are to follow. Questions were asked by Darren Jorgensen (DJ), Kye Fisher (KF), Matthew Vince (MV), Sam Beard (SB), Lucinda Thai-Le Tran (LTLT) and Jemma Kovacic Romanova (JKR).

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A Conversation with Shao Yinong and Muchen
Interview Sam Beard Interview Sam Beard

A Conversation with Shao Yinong and Muchen

On a humid Friday afternoon in July 2019, a group of art history students from the University of Western Australia arrived at the residence of artists and couple Shao Yinong and Muchen. Welcoming the group into their home, the artists presented and discussed their work, before beginning an informal Q&A.

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A Meeting with Li Xianting
Interview darren jorgensen Interview darren jorgensen

A Meeting with Li Xianting

Li Xianting has been China’s leading art critic as well as an editor and curator for almost fifty years. During the 1960s he was imprisoned for two years for attempting to foster dialogue between his classmates.

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