Guan Xiao: Flattened Metal / Martine Syms: Fact & Trouble

Guan Xiao: Flattened Metal in association with K11 Art Foundation
Lower Gallery

Working mainly in sculpture and video, artist Guan Xiao (b. 1983, lives and works in Beijing) explores how ways of seeing are now influenced by digital image and information circulation as an increasingly dominant source of knowledge exchange. In various works and installations she endeavours to expand the aesthetic and cognitive possibilities for how meanings and identities are assigned and understood, without seeking to compartmentalize or fix definitions.

Guan Xiao’s work is occupied with our incomprehension of the past, and the way in which the unknown gives rise to intriguing discussion in the present. She juxtaposes references from the past and present (or future), weaving visual and audio material, digital rendering techniques and found objects to create distinct and evocative installations that integrate so-called primitive and high tech elements. In this way, she offers fresh perspectives on what we perceive as the “new” and the “old.”

Guan Xiao’s exhibition includes a video triptych and new installation comprising five large printed screens, in front of which are sculptures made up of various materials, including speakers that emit audio works.

With thanks to the Guan Xiao Exhibition Supporters Group; Joyce Liu; Antenna Space, Shanghai; Bruno Wang & Pure Land Foundation; Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, Berlin

Related events:
Educator’s gallery tour: Guan Xiao and Martine Syms
Wednesday, April 27, 5pm
Led by ICA Head of Programme Katharine Stout and ICA Curator Matt Williams

K11 Art Foundation in association with the ICA present Zhang Ding: Enter the Dragon II
May 21–July 2
K11 Art Museum, Shanghai

Martine Syms: Fact & Trouble
Upper Gallery

An exhibition of photography, video, and sculpture by Martine Syms (b. 1988), a Los Angeles-based artist with an ongoing interest in historiography, semiotics, and pop. Syms is interested in how language and physical gestures are used within the American media as expressions of identity. Her exhibition features works derived from her recent video series “Lessons,” an incomplete poem in 180 sections. Each “Lesson” takes the form of a 30-second TV clip. The footage, which is original and appropriated, is a distillation of everyday life.

Syms is the founder of Dominica, a publishing imprint dedicated to exploring black aesthetics in visual culture. Through publishing, video, and performance Syms explores the making and reception of meaning in present-day America.

Supported by the Martine Syms Exhibition Supporters Group. With additional support from Belgraves - A Thompson Hotel and The Keyboard Group.

Related events:
Martine Syms: Misdirected Kiss
Friday, April 22, 6:30pm
A performative lecture by Martine Syms.

Gallery tour: Martine Syms led by Evan Ifekoya
Thursday May 5, 6:30pm
Led by artist Evan Ifekoya.

Artists’ Film Biennial: Selected by artist Martine Syms
Saturday, May 28, 8:30pm
A programme selected by Martine Syms for the ICA Artists’ Film Biennial 2016.

Also showing:
Dennis Morris: PiL - First Issue to Metal Box
March 23–May 15
ICA Fox Reading Room
A presentation of rarely seen photographs and ephemera relating to the early stages of the band Public Image Ltd’s (PiL) design from 1978–79 with a focus on the design of the album Metal Box. 

Related events:
Gallery tour: Dennis Morris: PiL - First Issue to Metal Box
Thursday, April 28, 6:30pm
Led by Carl Williams.

Educator’s tour: Dennis Morris: PiL - First Issue to Metal Box
Wednesday, April 13, 5pm
Led by ICA Curator Matt Williams.

The Rise, Fall and Rise of Vinyl Records
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30pm
A panel discussion chaired by Coleen “Cosmo” Murphy. 

ICA Cinematheque
Punx Not Dead: Cinema and Society After Punk
March 29–May 10

Coming soon:
Olivetti: Beyond Form and Function
May 25–July 17
ICA Fox Reading Room