Tuesday, 09 September 2008
10.00pm

Is Chinese modern art the greatest movement since Cubism? That's the opinion of many western experts stunned by the quality of work in China today and the pace at which it has emerged on the world scene since the end of Mao.

Artists who lived in rural poverty only a decade ago now shake their heads in wonder as their works fetch millions of dollars in London and New York. So dramatically have their lives been transformed that they've swapped their rickety bicycles for the latest in luxury cars. And Beijing now stands as a major art centre alongside New York, London and Paris.

In this program, art historian Evan Hughes visits some of the most interesting and important artist studios in Beijing today. These artists, whose fortunes have been transformed by the vast sums now being offered for their works, include Yang Jinsong, Qi Zhilong, the Luo Brothers, Chang Xugong, Le Jin and Chen Weimin.

Hughes also talks to several leading commentators on Chinese art, including director of the Asia Society in NY, Melissa Chiu and the ANU's Claire Roberts.

An art-history honours graduate from Cambridge University, Hughes first visited China with his father and well-known Australian art dealer, Ray Hughes in 2001. He has since visited China a further eight times.

Artscape: China's Avant-Garde: The New Cultural Revolution offers a great insight into contemporary Chinese life through Australian eyes and a memorable journey for art lovers.

Artscape: China's Avant-Garde: The New Cultural Revolution will be repeated on ABC2 - Sunday, September 14 at 7:00pm