Gao Yebo Project, an art project I launched in 2015, is still continuing. I set up an artistic group named Yebo Group¹ in December 2015. Later Yebo Group fabricated a fictional character Mr. Gao Yebo, a forgotten Chinese writer, and held 'commemorative exhibitions' for him.

 

This project stemmed from my questioning of the history construction and contemporary art exhibition system three years ago. I proposed to fabricate a celebrity that aims to critically rethink the ideologies behind history construction as well as art exhibition systems under capitalism. Subsequently, I held a seminar in Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts (GAFA) and set up How to DIY History Wu Cong wrote a short essay about Yebo Group formally at the seminar.  As the leader, I acted as a host at meetings, is responsible for commanding the overall situation, arranging schedules and personnel. Meanwhile, I also curated exhibitions.   

 

In the project, Yebo Group fabricated 'Gao Yebo's whole life', 'his personal effects' and 'his works', and also made a 'documentary' The Soul in the Spring Wind, they even imitated the way of museums to make tickets and souvenirs. All of these were displayed at The Memorial Exhibition of Gao Yebo to enhance the authenticity of this fictional character. It is worth mentioning that The Memorial Exhibition of Gao Yebo has been held at different non-profit spaces² from 2016 to 2018 as the result of this project so far.    

 

Obviously, by forcibly creating a 'history celebrity' Yebo Group challenged the authorities in official historical writings in a humorous manner. In addition, each exhibition has been curated differently owing to different venues, Yebo Group constantly explored the possibilities of shaking off the exhibition mechanisms under capitalism.

 

 

Notes

 

1. Group members include Wu Cong, Li Jiayin, Li Xihao, Chen Hongyu, Kong Huabao, Wu Jieye.

 

2.The Memorial Exhibition of Gao Yebo was held at Sanyu • Hui Art Space in May 2018, Ucity Art Museum of GAFA in December-January 2017, E7 Art Space of GAFA in January 2016 separately.