China is a truly extraordinary country with an overwhelming population of 1.3 billion, and its deeply traditional society, which is at the same time uniquely contemporary and extremely progressive. From very young to those in their 50s, the following ten artists are all so obviously influenced by both China's recent history and its ancient artifacts. Being ultra famous and super fresh, these exceptional visual artists create top-notch artworks that deal with the constantly shifting Chinese society, its politics and economy, while successfully maintaining a connection to the deep, thousands of years long cultural roots and artistic traditions. The list is by no means exhaustive but tries to represent a cross-section of China's contemporary art scene, which has been greatly influenced by the recent period of rapid Westernization and its effect on traditional Chinese values.

Editors’ Tip: Contemporary Chinese Art by Paul Gladston

Explore further about Chinese contemporary art. After the Deng Xiaoping’s policy of Opening and Reform in 1978, the People’s Republic of China has gone through a liberalization of culture which led to numerous forms of avant-garde, experimental, and museum-based art. Having in mind a fast-growing international market and a thriving artistic community, contemporary Chinese art is prosperous despite remaining issues of censorship. Paul Gladston’s Contemporary Chinese Art sheds light on the current art scene placing it in the context of wider cultural, economic and political conditions. Focusing on the artists from mainland China working with various medium and discussing art created in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and diasporic communities, Gladston maps the ideas and practices that shaped Chinese art. Enriched with 150 images, this book is a valuable contribution for unraveling the complexities of politics, art and culture in today’s China.