The University’s This is China project, in partnership with firstsite, concludes on Thursday 19 February.

Chinese artist Sun Xun will complete his residency in the University Gallery on this day. During his time at Essex, he has created a stunning new piece inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm and his art will be discussed in a workshop with Beijing-based curator, writer and art historian, Karen Smith, who is visiting Colchester as part of the University’s focus on China.

An expert who specialises in contemporary Chinese art, Karen will discuss Chinese art and its rapid development in the twenty-first century from 2pm to 4pm on Monday 9 February in the University Gallery. Open to the general public, Cultural difference or prejudice? also provides an ideal opportunity to see Sun Xun’s art while it is being displayed throughout the Gallery.

Having worked with Sun Xun for a number of years, Karen will then speak at a talk entitled Sun Xun and the moving image. This is open to the general public and takes place in the University’s Lakeside Theatre from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday 9 February. She will locate Xun’s work within the recent history of the moving image in China, with firstsite’s Jes Fenrie as Chair. Sun Xun will also be present.

This is China involved a range of events, such as a soy sauce and tomato ketchup fight by controversial live art performers Mad for Real at the Colchester Campus and in Colchester’s Castle Park, an exhibition of posters from the Cultural Revolution and a critical debate programme. Organised as part of the Jiangsu-Essex Festival, This is China was made possible by support from Essex County Council and Essex alumni.

Ends

Notes to editors:
The attached photograph shows artist Sun Xun at work in the University Gallery. Further photographs are available on request.

The workshop, Cultural difference or prejudice?, takes place in the University Gallery at the Colchester Campus from 2pm to 4pm on Monday 9 February. The talk, Sun Xun and the moving image, takes place in the Lakeside Theatre at the Colchester Campus from 7pm to 8.30pm on Monday 9 February.

Sun Xun completes his residency in the University Gallery on Thursday 19 February. The University Gallery is open from 11am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 12noon to 4pm, Saturday.