Improving fortunes

The Guangzhou Triennial was established in 2002 and is one of the earliest of its kind in China. Its more than 20 years' history has cultivated an audience who can appreciate contemporary art. From 2008, the triennial started to hold activities on educating the public on how to enjoy and understand a contemporary show.

"Despite local people's high acceptance to new things and ideas, our continuous public education on contemporary art contributes a lot to the popularity of the triennial," Wang says.

Besides exploration of local culture, the triennial also discusses and reflects issues facing the whole world.

In the section, In Praise of Slow Art, curated by Philip Dodd from Britain, artists use traditional materials, such as textiles, ceramics and paper, to focus on the power of human bodies and the art of handicrafts, a kind of "slow art" to echo the fast times empowered by high technology.

The section, Touch Screen, explores people's relationship with the real world when digital technologies blur the boundary between virtual and real.

"The last triennial three years ago focused on the future by highlighting science and technology. This year, we look back to our past, to all the changes happened in and outside China," says Wang.

"Looking back is to find answers from history and be better prepared for the future when the whole world is under a context of great changes."