Art Of Change – New Direction From China

China is a country undergoing radical upheaval, its government caught somewhat awkwardly between calls for progressive reform and the appetite of an ageing government caste bloated from the trappings of corruption. That said, these contrasting bodies have done nothing to slow a country fast fulfilling its potential for economic growth.

But what place do the arts hold for a nation content with bulldozing its history to make way for gleaming phalanxes of skyscrapers? What role does heritage play for a country quick to forget its own?

Well, somewhat thankfully, a big one. Eastern philosophy has always been quick to adapt to change, and ‘Art Of Change’ reflects this adaptability in an overwhelmingly positive way.

Curated by Stephanie Rosenthal, Art Of Change brings together an eclectic troupe of Chinese performance artists, each with work displaying the volatility of change – be it by the medium of moving sculpture or the thrashing of a hose in open space.

Taking place at the Hayward Gallery Soutbank Centre