In what ways can biennials affect, or even nurture, local art production? What is the influence of state, corporate, or institutional support on curatorial integrity? How can one produce something meaningful with only a limited budget? These are some of the issues and concerns discussed in Yishu 56, a special issue of the journal dedicated to World Biennial Forum No1.

Yishu 56 pays attention to a selection of the case studies in the World Biennial Forum No1, focusing on the Asia Pacific region, architecture and design, emergent and alternative biennials, biennials in South Korea, and “Asia” and its margins. Yishu 56 represents not only some of the more established biennials in Asia, but also newer models that may be overlooked due to an emphasis on the local or access to only a modest means of production. The issue also includes extensive visual material.

Yishu: Journal of Contemporary Chinese Art is the first English language journal to focus on Chinese contemporary art and culture. Each bi-monthly issue features scholarly essays on topical issues, interviews with artists and curators, conference proceedings, and critical commentary on exhibitions and books. Biennial Foundation is grateful to Yishu for devoting an entire issue to the World Biennial Forum No1.

Yishu 56 will be available for view at the book launch of “Shifting Gravity”, the official publication of the World Biennial Forum No1, edited by Ute Meta Bauer and Hou Hanru. “Shifting Gravity” Book Launch: Venice, May 30, 2013, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal, Crozzola Hall.

For orders of Yishu 56:    

Yishu: Journal of Contemporary Chinese Art

May/ June 2013
Volume 12, Number 3