Aihe Wang – författare

This radical reinterpretation of the formative stages of Chinese culture and history traces the central role played by cosmology in the formation of China's early empires. It crosses the disciplines of history, social anthropology, archaeology and philosophy to illustrate how cosmological systems, particularly the Five Elements, shaped political culture. By focusing on dynamic change in early cosmology, the book undermines the notion that Chinese cosmology was homogeneous and unchanging. By arguing that cosmology was intrinsic to power relations, it also challenges prevailing theories of political and intellectual history.

This radical reinterpretation of the formative stages of Chinese culture and history traces the central role played by cosmology in the formation of China's early empires. It crosses the disciplines of history, social anthropology, archaeology and philosophy to illustrate how cosmological systems, particularly the Five Elements, shaped political culture. By focusing on dynamic change in early cosmology, the book undermines the notion that Chinese cosmology was homogeneous and unchanging. By arguing that cosmology was intrinsic to power relations, it also challenges prevailing theories of political and intellectual history.

Amid the political turmoil of China’s Cultural Revolution, a small group of painters in Beijing defied state control, creating art in secrecy that challenged the ideological constraints of their time. Painting into Being is the first in-depth study of underground art during this period, focusing on the Wuming (No Name) Painting Group, active from 1972 to 1981, in conjunction with other clandestine cultural movements.Aihe Wang brings a singular perspective to this history as both a former Wuming artist and a Harvard-trained historian and anthropologist. Analyzing nearly one hundred oil paintings against sophisticated theoretical frameworks and intricate historical narratives, she examines how underground artists cultivated individual agency, forged collective solidarity, and subtly resisted authoritarianism. This book also illustrates how Wuming aesthetically engaged with both modern Western art and traditional Chinese art in creating a distinct form of Chinese modernism.Interweaving history, theory, and lived experience, Painting into Being expands our understanding of modern Chinese history, global modernism, and the power of creative expression within repressive regimes.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.

This bilingual book provides a catalogue of major works and an autobiographical essay by the artist.