2023 Tide： London New Youth Contemporary Art Exhibition

The 2023 "Tides" London New Youth Contemporary Art Exhibition is a profound exploration of the living conditions and artistic creations of overseas young Chinese artists. It also serves as a significant examination of individualized artistic expressions in the context of overseas environments. Grounded in postmodern theory, the exhibition takes place at a historical moment influenced by the rapidly expanding trend of globalization, the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, and the turbulent international situation. It provides a highly critical direction for contemplating various issues existing today. In the backdrop of globalization, artists not only face individual challenges but also the blending and collision of new cultures. Outstanding works of art emerge incessantly, and the artists behind them search for self-identity within the intersection of diverse cultures, influencing the world through their artistic expressions. Michel Foucault, in his power/knowledge theory, argues for the formation of subjectivity, which closely relates to this exhibition as it holds a central position in postmodern theory.

It highlights the significant and unavoidable issues of large-scale population movement and immigration, which have greatly influenced the way artists live and create. When discussing the immigration challenges faced by overseas young Chinese artists, one can also refer to Homi K. Bhabha's "Third Space" theory, which belongs to the postmodern theoretical framework, for analysis. This theory describes a space that exists between two or more cultures, seemingly belonging neither to the original culture nor fully assimilated into the destination culture – the "Third Space." In this space, artists can seize the core issues of artistic creation through their own artistic works, navigating complex identity identification and constantly seeking new ways of self-expression. From another perspective, the large-scale population movement frees artists from the constraints of regional identity and experience, allowing them to adopt a broader perspective of globalization. They combine their experiences of living and creating overseas, engaging in cross-cultural and cross-border artistic expressions that reflect the shared social issues humanity faces, offering profound reflections and criticisms on topics such as immigration, globalization, and multiculturalism. Meanwhile, immigration also entails changes in lifestyle and creative environment. In the context of large-scale population movement, artists have access to diverse creative resources, which drives them to explore and innovate in new environments. As a result, their artistic creations not only showcase individual experiences and cultural identities but also emphasize global issues closely related to the concept of "common destiny of humankind."

From the artistic practices of overseas young Chinese artists, one can observe the influence of Jacques Derrida's deconstruction theory, a prominent modern theorist. The artists deconstruct and reassemble traditional forms of artistic expression, presenting new aesthetic perspectives and generating new meanings. They are not limited to creating works within a single cultural context but rather, on the global stage, they challenge existing cognitive frameworks and provoke new ways of thinking through the power of art. Additionally, in the era of artificial intelligence, how artists respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by this technology is an important concern of the "Tides" exhibition. Drawing on Erving Goffman's Face Theory, which views AI as the "face of the Other," the exhibition encourages us to reexamine the relationship between art and machines from an artistic perspective, prompting reflection on the moral and ethical boundaries in contemporary contexts. For instance, as early as 1968, the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London hosted an exhibition titled "Cybernetic Serendipity." It was the first comprehensive showcase of the intersection between computers and art, marking a breakthrough in the application of artificial intelligence and computer technology in the field of art.

It is worth mentioning that the turmoil in the international situation and the geopolitical changes have significantly influenced the artists' creative endeavors. Building upon Fredric Jameson's understanding of postmodern society, particularly the concept of "cognitive mapping," this theory indicates that under the influence of global capitalism, there have been changes in the "cultural logic" of artistic creation. This implies that the traditional understanding and modes of expression towards objects have collapsed, making it difficult for individuals to obtain clear guidance within the social and cultural environment. Therefore, developing new cognitive maps is crucial for understanding and resisting the dominant forces of global capitalism. The works of young artists not only reflect their keen observations of the current international situation but also embody the transformation of their artistic practices within a globalized context. The "Tides" exhibition not only provides a platform for overseas young Chinese artists to express themselves but also demonstrates their ability to face challenges, utilize postmodern theories, and engage in reflection and innovation within the rapidly expanding trends of globalization, rapid developments in artificial intelligence technology, and the turbulent international situation. Their profound exploration and expression of lifestyle and creative approaches in the era of large-scale population movement showcase their unique perspectives and innovative power in response to the challenges and opportunities of globalization.

Host or Publisher CSSA-Goldsmiths