USEFUL LIFE
Ensemble
M HKA has acquired the complete *USEFUL LIFE* for its collection in 2009, a key exhibition in the development of contemporary art in Shanghai. It features work of three internationally renowned Chinese artists: **Xu Zhen**, **Yang Fudong** and **Yang Zhenzhong**. [*USEFUL LIFE*](http://ensembles.mhka.be/events/useful-life--2) was made on location by the ShanghART Gallery during the 3rd Shanghai Biennial in 2000. This 3rd Biennial gave the artists for the first time hope for more openness from the government. It was the first biennal where foreign artists were admitted and where the government tolerated 'critical' work.
Items
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I Will Die
Yang Zhenzhong, I Will Die, 2000. Video, 00:11:36.
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On the Pillow
Yang Zhenzhong, On the Pillow, 2000. Photography, b/w photo, aluminium, 115 x 95 cm, 115 x 177 cm, 115 x 185 cm, 115 x 157 cm, 115 x 182 cm, 115 x 185 cm, 115 x 183 cm, 115 x 110.5 cm.
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I'm Changing Here
Xu Zhen, I'm Changing Here, 2000. Video, 00:03:13.
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Tonight Moon
Yang Fudong, Tonight Moon, 2000. Installation, projector, monitors, 00:10:00.
Actors
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Yang Zhenzhong
Yang Zhenzhong (°1968) began studying textile and painting in 1995 with photography and video. One of his first mature works was Lucky Family
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Xu Zhen
Xu Zhen is considered to be one of the most radical Chinese conceptual artists. In 2005 he participated in the Venice biennial and in 2007 in
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Yang Fudong
Yang Fudong [°1971, Beijing] is one of the most important contemporary Chinese artists. At the end of the 1990s, after training as a painter,
