Jérôme Sans
Director
Ullens Center for Contemporary Art

Initiated by Swiss collector Uli Sigg in 1997 and awarded every two years by a jury of esteemed arts professionals from both China and abroad, the Chinese Contemporary Art Awards (CCAA) initially played a pivotal role in drawing international attention to contemporary Chinese art at a time when it was largely overlooked. Now in its 6th round, the award has established itself as the most important of its kind. Renowned for its independent and visionary perspective, the CCAA is the benchmark of critical success for artists working in China today. This year’s CCAA winners are: Ai Weiwei, Liu Wei and Tseng Yu-Chin.

The presentation of the 2008 CCAA Exhibition at the Ullens Center foe Contemporary Art (UCCA) in Beijing represents a natural collaboration between some of contemporary Chinese art’s most ardent and passionate supporters, CCAA founder Uli Sigg, and UCCA founders Guy and Myriam Ullens, and underscores the complimentary missions of both institutions. Both CCAA and CUUA reflect the beneficence and inventiveness of maverick collectors who have forged new opportunities for the artists whose works have inspired them; both are committed to creating a platform for dialogue about the contemporary art and visual culture that has come to define our current moment.

This year’s CCAA winners are as dynamic as they are diverse, representing different generational and geographical positions and working across a wide range of media. Still, Ai Weiwei, Liu Wei and Tseng Yu-Chin all share the ability to continuously surprise and challenge audiences and an unceasing desire to question and expand the rules of art making. Through this exhibition, UCCA’s audiences will have an exceptional chance to experience some of the best that contemporary art has to offer.

UCCA is grateful to Uli Sigg for this unique opportunity to present a groundbreaking exhibition, to gallerist and CCAA Director Pi Li for administering the award, and to UBS for their ongoing support of cutting edge contemporary Chinese art. It is rare to find such a convergence of generosity and creativity that has led to the CCAA exhibition here at UCCA; it is our pleasure to share it with the world.

 

 

 

About Chinese Contemporary Art Awards CCAA

 The Contemporary Chinese Art Awards CCAA are given biannually to Chinese artists and art critics who show particular talent in artistic creation and in its critique – to encourage their development through its publications and exhibitions, and to enhance awareness and appreciation of a wider public for what Chinese contemporary art contributes to contemporary culture. CCAA has been founded in 1997 by Uli Sigg, former Swiss Ambassador to China and leading collector of Chinese contemporary art.