Application deadline: November 30, 2022
The Sigg Fellowship for Chinese Art Research 2022/23 supports new research on Chinese art, in dialogue with the M+ Collections. It corresponds with our commitment to enriching the contemporary conversation on art in the region, and to defining new platforms for research and debate.
In the 1980s during the ’85 New Wave Movement, Conceptual Art emerged in China and was represented by the artist groups Xiamen Dada, Pond Society in Hangzhou, and the New Measurement Group in Beijing. These groups were formed within three to five years, and eventually disbanded due to various factors. In contrast to the humanistic stance and emphasis on aesthetic and emotional expression that characterised new art movements during the time, these Conceptual Art groups abandoned traditional visual expression and materiality. They accentuated concepts and rationality within the artistic process, and used actions, language, and live performance as the main mediums of expression. Although their activities were overshadowed by better known movements such as Political Pop and Cynical Realism, their work had a profound impact on the development of Conceptualism, multimedia expansion, and curatorial practices in contemporary Chinese art.
We hope research in this edition of the Sigg Fellowship can generate a holistic view of the theoretical and linguistic origins of Conceptualism in China, specifically in terms of their collective and individual practices, their relationship to global art, and their subsequent influence on the history and context of Chinese art.
We welcome applications from individuals or research groups of all nationalities, with no age requirement. The provision of the fellowship, however, depends on whether the fellow can obtain a visa for Hong Kong. Applicants should either hold a postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of three years of relevant professional work or academic research experience. Proficiency in spoken and written Chinese or English is also required.
Shortlisted candidates might be invited to an in-person or remote interview. Results will be announced in early 2023. Members of the Jury are:
–Claire Bishop (Professor of Art History, CUNY Graduate Center)
–Doryun Chong (M+ Deputy Director, Curatorial and Chief Curator)
–Pi Li (M+ Sigg Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs)
The awarded fellow is expected to be attached to M+ for a period of three to six months. They will develop their proposed project in response to the research theme and will be able to access the M+ Collections both onsite and online, consult library and archival materials, deliver several internal presentations, and take part in discussions with curators and other staff members. The fellowship will conclude with a public lecture in Hong Kong and an essay in Chinese (at least 5,000 characters) or in English (at least 7,500 words) to be published on M+ Magazine.
The fellow will be awarded a grant of 200,000 HKD to cover all expenses, including travel, living, insurance, and research-related costs.
How to apply
Applicants are required to provide (in English or Chinese):
–A research proposal (no more than 1,000 words).
–A full curriculum vitae covering education, professional experience, honours, awards, and publications.
–Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional) submitted directly from the referees.
The deadline for submitting the application is November 20, 2022, 11:59pm (UTC +8). Please submit applications in digital formats and all enquiries to siggfellowship@mplus.org.hk using the following email subject line format: [M+ Sigg Fellowship 2022/23 Application] SURNAME, First name
For more information, please visit here.
Supporting Sponsor: Hublot
