“Everything is art. Everything is politics.” – Ai Weiwei
Inspired by the earmark provocation and disruption of artist/activist Ai Weiwei, SAM presents free screenings of four provocative films from Asian filmmakers in conjunction with the exhibition, Ai, Rebel: The Art and Activism of Ai Weiwei.
Sundays in April and May, encounter documentary, art film, and full freakout cinema whose unconventional styles tackle art reproduction, surveillance, nuclear war, and the “model minority” myth. Originating from China, Japan, and the US, these films demonstrate the relevance of Ai’s philosophies and decrees across borders and time.
Test your artistic skills and examine the ways we discuss and value art through this screening of China's Van Goghs.
China's Van Goghs
Dirs. Haibo Yu & Kiki Tianqi Yu
In Dafen Village, thousands of painters replicate famous Western paintings in “the World’s Art Factory.” Artist Zhao Xiaoyong has painted thousands of Van Gogh replicas himself, although he wasn’t familiar with the artist when he started. But he soon begins to reckon with the value of his art in this intimate portrait that explores the nuanced relationship between yì shù jia (artists) and huà jia (painters or art workers). This searing examination of the intersection of labor and art confronts anyone who appreciates the greats with the question: who gets to be called a “master?”
Explore the topics of labor, time, and skill by trying your hand at recreating a Van Gogh masterpiece with the help of coloring sheets from the Van Gogh Museum.
Asian Provocation is guest-curated by Hannah Baek.
Films will be screened at Seattle Art Museum
April 6 China's Van Gogh's
April 13 Dragonfly Eyes
April 20 Hausu
May 4 Terminal USA
All screenings are matinees with doors opening at 1:30 pm and films beginning at 2 pm. Join us for community activities accompanying each screening.
SAM Films are generously supported by the Bagley and Virginia Wright Endowment and The Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Film and Education Endowment.