{"title":"Damian Smith","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the captivating works of \u003cem\u003eDamian Smith\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinguished author known for his insightful exploration into the realms of modern art and cultural expression. As a connoisseur of the arts, Smith infuses his writings with a profound understanding of contemporary artistic movements, particularly focusing on vibrant cultural landscapes such as China.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is \u003cstrong\u003eThe Geoff Raby Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art\u003c\/strong\u003e, an enlightening journey through the avant-garde artistry emerging from China. This collection not only celebrates the bold and innovative spirit of Chinese artists but also offers readers a deep dive into the sociocultural currents influencing their creations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmith's books invite readers to appreciate art beyond its aesthetic value, encouraging a broader dialogue on how art shapes and reflects society. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Damian Smith's writings are a gateway to understanding the complex world of contemporary art and its cultural significance.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-geoff-raby-collection-of-contemporary-chinese-art-by-damian-smith-9781760644673","title":"The Geoff Raby Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating journey through contemporary Chinese art\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Geoff Raby Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art\u003c\/em\u003e surveys the art collection amassed by Dr Geoff Raby AO, Australia's Ambassador to China between 2007 and 2011. Raby arrived in Beijing in the 1980s where he first encountered the emerging contemporary art scene. Recognising that China's new vanguard of artists were uniquely placed to reflect the unprecedented transformation of China following the Reform and Opening Up period, Raby became a collector, advocate, and friend to artists who would go on to attain international recognition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection charts a fascinating journey through the contemporary art of China - from a single early work made in Hotan in the far west of China and dated to 1942, through the early 1980s to the post-1989 period of the Tiananmen uprising and the arrival of the Cynical Realism and Political Pop art movements, and on to the exuberant years surrounding the Beijing Olympics of 2008.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is highly illustrated with works from the collection by avant-garde artists such as Xiao Lu, Guan Wei, Ah Xian, Chen Wenling, and Li Jin. Also featured are artists hailing from distant locations in Tibet, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and the southwestern province of Guizhou.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThematically, the collection embraces such themes as sex, power, and politics. Surprisingly, in a country where subjects such as these are routinely sanctioned, it is truly fascinating to see just how frequently these topics appear in the products of both radical art practitioners and in state-sanctioned propaganda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith essays by Damian Smith, Geoff Raby, Nicholas Jose, John McDonald, and others, \u003cem\u003eThe Geoff Raby Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art\u003c\/em\u003e is an indispensable reference guide for anyone seeking cultural insight into China in the 21st century. The text is bi-lingual, in English and Chinese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Geoff Raby Collection of Chinese Art, featuring 174 items, has now been donated to La Trobe University.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47082802774252,"sku":"9781760644673","price":70.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23833673482814.jpg?v=1765277664"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/damian-smith.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}