Zandie Brockett, raised in the US and based in Beijing and Shanghai, is a rising curator who is looking closely at shifting social and economic trends by generating cross cultural arts projects. Her newest venture, “Teetering at the Edge of the World” examines specifically how the city, and the rise of the megalopolis is impacting social networks, cultural production (through the rise of cultural industries) and the overall quality of life. Furthermore, it is looking at how Chinese models of urban development can impact the rest of the world, as countries are increasingly beholden to China as a trade partner, or even holder of its national debt (in the case of Argentina). In the case of Uruguay, while there are minimal social and cultural ties to China, the country has, nevertheless, in the past three years become dependent on China as its largest export market. And, while current law prohibits any foreign entity from developing large scale properties or infrastructure in Uruguay, what happens when these golden handcuffs influence policy and China is able to build infrastructure in the same way it does in China, as its been in Africa, and as its attempting to in Brazil?
This exhibition, curated in association with Sebastian Alonso and produced by Carolina Muniz, attempts to survey various narrative forms that have been influenced by life in urban China. It sees storytelling as a tool through which artists have been able to depict the problems they face at both macro and micro levels of life in the city, and connect with audiences through these narrative forms. Via the fictionalized portrayal of urbanity, the artists open a space between reality and its portrait through which we can contemplate not just Chinese cities, but also the future of communities and culture as cities around the world continue to evolve.
More of the project can be seen on the web site of the museum, Espacio de Arte Contemporaneo in Montevideo, Uruguay, http://www.eac.gub.uy/
