Being the only Asian art triennial outside the Asia Pacific region, Manchester’s Asia Triennial features an international programme of visual culture with venue-specific exhibitions, celebrating not only the city’s diverse communities but the unique tastes of participating venue curators. Since its inception in 2008 by Shisha – which reached 400,000 people – even more venues, site-specific commissions, residencies and public site work by artists from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan will join this year to explore cultural, artistic and political debates of our time; this year’s theme being Conflict and Compassion. Here are our top three picks for this vibrant festival…
Harmonious Society comes to the Museum of Science & Industry
As part of the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art’s exhibition programme, Mosi presents the Harmonious Society featuring new site-specific work and UK premieres of existing works by 30 artists from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Works will include art reflecting socio-political situations of artists’ respective homelands in song, animation, film and installations.
Fri 26 Sep – Sun 23 Nov, Museum of Science & Industry, Liverpool Road, M3 4FP, Tel: 0161 832 2244, FREE, www.atm.mmu.ac.uk
Imran Qureshi
Qureshi is an artist who combines the centuries-old Islamic art form of miniature painting with conceptual approaches and elements of contemporary abstract painting. His string of awards include a Sharjah Biennial Prize and Deutsche Bank’s Artist of the Year, and after having his work showcased at last year’s 55th Venice Biennale, here he will be displaying works highlighting elements in his practice connected to Pakistan’s recent history and tragic events.
Mon 22 Sep – Sun 23 Nov, Imperial War Museum North, Quay West, Trafford Wharf Road, M17 1TZ, Tel: 0161 836 4000, FREE, www.atm.mmu.ac.uk
Kashif Nadim Chaudry: Swags and Tails (pictured)
With work focusing on constructing an identity as a British-born, Pakistani, gay Muslim, textile artist Chaudry uses performative installations to bring together historical periods such as Mughal India and Tutor Britain, and disciplines such as architecture, interior design and Bollywood cinema – as well as using human hair and animal bones. The family-friendly launch day (Sat 27 Sep) will feature live music and drinks, as well as Chaudry himself.
Sat 27 Sep – Sat 31 Jan, Manchester Craft & Design Centre, 17 Oak Street, M4 5JD, Tel: 0161 832 4274, FREE, www.atm.mmu.ac.uk
Sat 27 Sep – Sun 23 Nov, Various venues – see the full programme at www.atm.mmu.ac.uk
- Words:
- Edwina Chan
- Published on:
- Tue 27 Jan 2015
