Cou Huo

, in 2009, On View (0 Comments)

COU HUO is an ongoing project realized through temporary exhibition displays. The first COU HUO series displays installation, sculpture and video objects by twelve contemporary artists hailing from China, Switzerland, United States and United Kingdom. The show is presented in an inflated tent in different locations in Beijing one weekend each. Within the temporary display space (the tent), commissioned works respond to the essential definition of the word cou huo.

The concept of COU HUO is based on themes of temporality and awkwardness.  In this event, we present a diverse range of objects and ideas that respond to everything cou huo. We exhibit various objects in a temporary space, and thus create a scene of cou huo. We want to recognize the distinctive character of China today that is defined by this word. The word cou huo contributes to the sense of transience and fleeting characteristic of rapid urban growth, innovation and commercialization in China. Although one is often concerned about the quality sacrificed for speed and accomplishment, COU HUO is about ACTION, and it leaves room for self-improvement.

The core of our project is inspired by the phrase “凑合凑合也会很有意思” (things done in a seemingly causal way can also stand on its own). Our serious efforts are underscored by the conviction of trying to create an art experience in a different way, devoid of the burden of excessive theoretical baggage and ulterior considerations.

The word cou huo, in Chinese is an adjective that describes the clumsy and hasty approach to construction or realization of products and service. Cou huo is also a verb, the act of putting up with something or a situation because it is the easy way, the fastest way, yet not necessarily the best or quality way. It is a compromise demanding improvement for next time. Cou huo literally translates into English as “makeshift” or “to improvise.”

This project is the brainchild of Chen Xinpeng, Beijing based artist. The project is organized by RedBoxStudio, an art and design studio promoting contemporary art in China.

Participants: Rutherford Chang (Beijing, China), Erica Eyres (Glasgow, Scotland), Johnston Foster (Virginia, USA), Brian Fridge (Texas, USA), Liang Shuo (Beijing, China), Nicoykatiushka (Santiago, Chile), Ana Roldan (Zurich, Switzerland), Michael Yuen (Beijing, China/ Adelaide, Australia), Shao Kang (Beijing, China), Courtney Tramposh (New York, USA), Yang Chunlin (Beijing, China), Michael Zheng (San Francisco USA), Catherine Lauw (Vienna, Austria), Alfredo Martinez (New York, USA /Beijing, China)

COU HUO Beijing locations:
Tent open Friday/Saturday/Sunday: 10am-7pm
#1: October 9 – 11, 2009                        OPENING: Friday, October 9, 4-7pm
798 Art District, Beijing (south gate entrance)

#2: October 16-18, 2009 
                    OPENING: Friday, October 16, 4-7pm
SOLANA Lifestyle Shopping Center, Beijing (parking lot)