Join us online for a conversation between Karen Smith, curator and Director of Academic Initiatives at De Ying Foundation, and Xiaowen Zhu, Director of esea contemporary.
During the conversation, Smith will offer insights into the motivations behind the establishment of the De Ying Foundation’s Curatorial Fellowship Programme and its first publication ‘Future Projects.’ Smith will also discuss the current challenges faced by curators in China and beyond. Delving into the intricacies of curatorial work within a predominantly commercial environment, the discussion will explore the nuanced navigation of uncharted territories that curators courageously undertake to bring art to the public. This is a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the evolving landscape of arts and culture in China directly from one of its insiders.
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Residing in China since 1992, Smith has made significant contributions to the contemporary Chinese art scene through extensive writings, interviews, and exhibitions designed to articulate the forefront of creative developments. From her early career as an independent practitioner to her formal institutional role as the founding director of OCAT Xi’an in 2012, Smith has curated numerous exhibitions in China and beyond. In 2021, she assumed the role of Director of Academic Initiatives at De Ying Foundation, where she currently oversees the foundation’s Curatorial Fellowship Programme. With a rich portfolio of exhibitions, Smith's impactful work includes curating retrospectives, group exhibitions, and solo presentations, showcasing the diversity of contemporary Chinese art internationally.
Resident in China since 1992, Karen Smith is a curator/writer focused on contemporary art practices relevant to China. Starting her career as an independent practitioner, Smith was appointed founding director of OCAT Xi’an contemporary art centre in 2012. In 2021, Smith joined De Ying Foundation, to lead its academic initiatives, where she currently runs the foundation’s Curatorial Research Fellowship, launched spring 2022.
She has curated numerous exhibitions in China and abroad including: “Who is He? A Retrospective of Geng Jianyi’s Works” (co-curated with artist Yang Zhenzhong) Power Station of Art (PSA), Shanghai 2022; UCCA, Beijing 2023;
“About Material Expression”, OCAT Xi’an, 2022; “The Space Between Us: Alec Soth”, Shanghai Center of Photography (SCoP), Shanghai, 2020; “Out of Ink”, Pera Museum, Istanbul, 2019; “Social Geography: Journeys with a Camera Across China”, SCoP, Shanghai, 2018; “OVERPOP” (with Jeffrey Deitch), Yuz Museum, Shanghai, 2016; “A Potent Force: Duan Jianyu and Hu Xiaoyuan”, Rockbund Art Museum (RAM), Shanghai, 2013; “The Real Thing” (with Simon Groom, Xu Zhen), Tate Liverpool, 2007.
Smith is the author of several books on China’s contemporary art scene, most notably Nine Lives: The Birth of Avant-Garde Art in New China, Scalo 2006/Timezone8 2008; the three-volume series As Seen; Notable Artworks by Chinese Artists, Post-Wave Publishing/UCCA (2011/2013/2015). She has also produced artist texts for an extensive list of monographs.