Chinese arts travel the world

Istanbul, former capital of the Ottoman Empire and a glorious city straddling Europe and Asia, is again hosting one of the world's most prestigious art exhibitions, the 13th Istanbul Biennial.

The event runs until Oct 20 with 88 artists exploring the theme "Mom, am I barbarian?". It examines dichotomies such as between barbarity and civilization, nature and culture, the singular and universal, and randomness and order.

In keeping with the increasing importance of China's contemporary arts, the biennale features one acclaimed Chinese artist, Wang Qingsong, and hosts a parallel activity showcasing 27 promising young Chinese artists.

Beijing-based Wang exhibited this year at the China Pavilion of the Venice Biennale. He creates detailed, staged, photographs overflowing with people and objects.

The artist witnessed China's transformation from a traditional society to one struggling with rapid urbanization and Westernization. His works are highly critical of consumerism and capitalism's influence on economy, culture and society.

Follow Me is one of Wang's three large prints on display taking its title from the popular CCTV English education program introduced in 1982.

"The program's significance went far beyond learning English. It helped Chinese people learn about the West and the world, just after China emerged from its closed-door policy," Wang says.