Double Infinity

Double Infinity is an artistic project jointly organised by the Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven and Arthub Asia, in collaboration with the Dutch China Arts Foundation. The project will be opened on 29 April 2010 by Eric Verwaal, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai, in the Dutch Culture Centre in Shanghai, China, during the World Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Double Infinity

Double Infinity comprises of an exhibition, a book and a series of performances and lectures. It’s purpose is to build a bridge between a European museum for contemporary art and a Chinese art initiative. Work from the Van Abbemuseum collection will be exposed alongside existing and new work by Chinese artists, selected by Arthub Asia.

John Körmeling – Hot Spring, 2002. Photo: Peter Cox

Two cities, Eindhoven and Shanghai, make up the local backgrounds against which an intercultural dialogue on these issues will be stimulated and initiated. Both cities contribute to Double Infinity from the starting point of their different identities and cultural hinterlands. Their distinct contributions are highlighted by juxtaposing the Western- style art collection with the work of Chinese artists, although all the selected works respond to the metaphor of the city and its inhabitants. Creating a bridge between the two metropolitan areas makes it possible for us to picture a city that endlessly regenerates itself and which combines distinct identities without regard to socio- historical geography.

Lissitzky-Globetrotter Henry Milner, Construction after Lissitzky’s Globetrotter (in time). Van Abbemuseum, 2009. Photo Peter Cox

The title Double Infinity refers also to the element of good fortune, and to the universality of the mathematical symbol for infinity (∞), both deeply embedded in Chinese culture. The “double” in the title not only hints at the doubling of happiness but refers to the bond between two continents, the dialogue between two kinds of artistic practice and the fruitful collaboration between the partners.

Dick El Demasiado during Festicumex, Van Abbemuseum, 2006. Photo Peter Cox

During the period of the exhibition, from 15 to 19 May, performances by the following artists are programmed:

› Surasi Kusolwong (Golden Ghost)
In Golden Ghost, Surasi Kusolwong presents a playful critique of capitalism. The spectator has the task of searching for concealed golden chains, which the honest finder may keep.

› Zhou Xiaohu (new work)
Zhou Xiaohu develops a performance that involves the honorable guest at the opening.

› Dick El Demasiado (new performance)
Dick El Demasiado conducts the spectator on a journey through the South American musical tradition of Cumbia, although with an experimental tinge. It turns into a legendary music experience, in which two totally disparate worlds truly merge.

When?
29/04/2010 – 23/05/2010
Opening: Friday, 30 April 2010 10:57
Van Abbemuseum