1978-­1983

A  Constellation  of  Stars

Huang  Rui  and  Ma  Desheng  :  Art  Editors    1978-­1983

A  Constellation  of  Stars

1
 Dedicated to our friends who support us enthusiastically, and to those who did not leave their names.

1979 /
A thank you notice hanging by the entrance of the Beihai Huafang Zhai during the Stars Exhibition , 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning

2 3
 1978-­1983

A  Constellation  of  Stars

Huang  Rui  and  Ma  Desheng  :  Art  Editors    1978-­1983

4 5
 Contents
Part I Introduction 9

Part II Timeline 13

a. National / Cultural Timeline 14

1978 - 1983

b. Timeline of the Stars and Foreign Literature Magazine 32

1978 - 1983

Part III Images 43

a. Huang Rui: Art Editor for Foreign Literature 44

b. Huang Rui and Ma Desheng: Illustrations for Poetry Collections 76

c. Huang Rui: Works on Paper 124

d. Stars Artists: Works on Paper 186

Part IV Artists' Biographies 201

6 7
 Part I / Introduction

8 9
Part I / Introduction

Introduction

History and art have more in common than one might think. Although it is often considered factual, history
is abstract. Events are first seen from different sides; time creates a growing distance between past events and
present perception, adding lenses of change and experience so that facts become memories - and sometimes
fiction. The transmission of history is therefore a process of selection – conscious or unconscious - not unlike the
distilling of experience that produces a work of art. Both are expressions of experience.
The works presented in this book offer a powerful combination of art and history. The period 1978-1983 in China
was pivotal. Mao Zedong died in September 1976; in the wake of his death, and whether or not it was immediately
clear to people, the country entered a stage of unprecedented change. In a speech at the United Nations in 1974,
Deng Xiaoping had said that “Self-reliance in no way means ‘self-seclusion’…” - a statement anticipating the years
of reform and opening which were to follow the start of his leadership in 1977. These began with the announcement
in late 1978 of Four Modernisations designed to promote industrial growth. At the same time, a “Democracy
Wall” appeared in Beijing to which were affixed posters containing messages about democratic rights. The most
forceful of these was the “Fifth Modernisation” proposed by Wei Jingsheng, declaring the first four modernisations
meaningless without a fifth to ensure democratic freedom. This, however, and several protests in different cities led
to a government crackdown in January 1979. Such was the unstable start to this period - one in which individual
freedoms expanded and were retracted. But a stirring of agitation was clear.
Amidst this cultural ferment, fed also by increasing access to Western influences in the early 1980s, were certain
individuals determined in their desire for change. Two such figures in 1978 were Huang Rui and Ma Desheng. They
had met through the unofficial literary magazine Today (Jin Tian, ), co-published by Huang Rui and considered
one of the most radical publications of the time. Wishing for personal expression and artistic experimentation,
Huang and Ma became the primary members of the Stars artist group founded by Huang Rui in 1979. The Stars
Group (Xing Xing Hua Hui, ) – named in a spirit of directness and enlightenment, piercing the darkness of
the passing socio-political era and the restrictions of Social Realist art, staged two subversive exhibitions in 1979 and
1980. Crucially, these represent the beginnings of a Chinese avant-garde following the Cultural Revolution.
Another magazine revealing new cultural currents was Foreign Literature (Wai Guo Wen Xue, ), for
which Huang Rui was Art Editor. Some of the pictures in this book were originally used in Foreign Literature, and
also in contemporary poetry books. The pairing of these illustrations with writing by international authors or with
Chinese poems helps us to understand this time – its creativity, artistic exploration and desire for knowledge. The
importance of this moment in China remains undiminished as the current era of contemporary Chinese art unfolds.
The task of this book is to outline that context, which forms the backdrop to the progressive activities of Huang
Rui, Ma Desheng and the Stars. The period 1978 - 1983 was unique, combining social, political, economic and
cultural factors which shaped the nation in the post-Mao era. This book thus contains two timelines; the first outlines
key events and developments in China during this period. The second is specific to the Stars Group and Foreign
Literature magazine. The main body of the book is filled with the images of the artists’ works. Lastly are included the
biographies of the artists.
These pictures in many ways escape the abstraction of history. As first-hand examples of personal expression
- in hindsight as much at the moment they were created - they communicate directly about a critical time in China.
Charged with visual immediacy, theirs is an exceptional contribution to our understanding of the period.

Iona Whittaker
Art Critic and Editor

10 11
 Part II / Timeline

12 13
Part II / Timeline
National / Cultural Timeline
1978
1978 3
12 , National Science Conference in Beijing. Hua Guofeng gives
1978 /
The first version of the first issue of Today magazine,
1978 / Provided by Huang Rui
1 1978
Following Deng Xiaoping’s official return to power the year
4 before, 1978 saw the beginning of major changes in China in
the post-Mao era. Deng introduces “Reform and Opening”
in December, signalling new economic goals (known as
“The Four Modernisations”) and a degree of openness to
Western culture. This gave rise to socio-cultural movements,
principally the Beijing Spring and Democracy Wall, which
permitted people to criticise problems resulting from the
2 Cultural Revolution.
January
The Review of Foreign Art (Guo Wai Mei Shu Zi Liao,
) is founded.
The National Library of China displays several books which
had been banned during the Cultural Revolution. The
contents of these books include social sciences, natural
science, literature and art.
The first Chinese exhibition of Western art to be held since
1949 is held in Shanghai: Paysages et Paysannes Francais: la
Vie Rurale en France au XIXè Siècle 1820-1905. The exhibition
draws enthusiastic crowds in Shanghai and, in March, at the
National Art Museum of China in Beijing.
February
The 1st Session of the Fifth Chinese People's Political
Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee is
held in Beijing – the first time the body has met since the start
of the Cultural Revolution.
1979 / The China Arts and Crafts Exhibition is held at the National
Rusticated youth from Beijing who were sent to Art Museum of China in Beijing.
Shanxi to work during the Cultural Revolution gather
in front of the Municipal Building to demand their March
dispatch back to Beijing China’s first international air route to Africa - from Beijing to
Spring 1978 / Photographed by Wang Rui
14
1978-1983
Addis Ababa with an intermediate stop in Karachi - officially
opens.
A new Chinese Constitution is adopted.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party holds a
a speech concerning the scientific and cultural standard of
the nation; Guo Muoruo issues a written speech on scientific
progress. An outline for national scientific development from
1978 to 1985 is passed.
April
The Central Committee approves a report from the United
Front Work Department and the Department of Public
Security on the decision to remove all “hats” of the “rightists”,
thus rehabilitating their reputations.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party approves
the Ministry of Education’s enrollment of new students into
colleges and universities once more. A unified examination
paper is adopted for college entrance examinations.
Xinhua News Agency reports on a Ministry of Culture
campaign to rehabilitate various figures who had been
persecuted by the “Gang of Four”, including film director
Zhang Haimo and singer Luo Jingyu.
The Communist Party’s Central Committee approves the
restoration of the structures and names of art performance
troupes closed down during the Cultural Revolution.
May
The ceremony of laying ashes for Lao She, writer and former
Vice Chairman of the Chinese Culture Union, is held in Beijing.
Evidence of 7000-year-old prehistoric culture is discovered in
Hemudu Village, Yuyao County, Zhejiang Province.
The magazine Theory Trends (Li Lun Dong Tai, )
publishes the article "Practice is the Sole Criterion of Truth"
(Shi Jian Shi Jian Yan Zhen Li De Wei Yi Biao Zhun,
), a Marxist educational text pertaining to
ideological liberation.
Broadcasting becomes highly centralised - Beijing TV Station
is replaced by China Central Television (CCTV) and Beijing
Radio Station is replaced by China Radio International.
August
Beijing and Tokyo sign a peace and friendship treaty aimed at
closer economic and political cooperation.
The Shanghai Municipal Government holds the ceremony
of laying ashes for Zheng Junli, a film artist who had been
15
Part II / Timeline

severely persecuted in the Cultural Revolution, and who died Deng Xiaoping introduces Reform and Opening, outlining the
in prison in 1969. creation of twelve state companies to control imports and
"Scar" (Shang Hen, )- a short story by Lu Xinhua dealing exports and a series of “Special Economic Zones” (SEZs)
with a series of personal tragedies caused by the excesses of in Southern China. The Four Modernisations are designed
the Cultural Revolution - is published in Shanghai’s Wen Hui to modernise agriculture, industry, defence, science and
58.5 x 85.2 cm 1979
Daily (Wen Hui Bao, ). technology. These are the rationale for the “Socialist Market
Huang Rui, Democracy Wall, Pencil on paper, 58.5 x 85.2 cm, 1979
Economic System”. In line with these goals, China adopts an
September “open-door” policy towards the West, developing SEZs and
An e-mail link is established be tween Germany and China. sending students abroad.
5 11 The 8th Asian Games is held in Bangkok; Chinese athletes
October win 56 gold, 60 silver and 51 bronze medals.
Deng Xiaoping and his wife Zhuo Lin visit Japan and attend A national system of university entrance exams resumes for
a ceremony for the treaty for Sino-Japanese peace and the first time since the Cultural Revolution.
friendship. The Boeing aircraft plant in Seattle, Washington announces
that China has ordered three Jumbo 747 jet airliners.
1979 The Democracy Wall movement begins. This wall to the The Chairman of Coca-Cola announces that the corporation
West of the Forbidden City was initially a government- has reached an agreement to sell Coca-Cola inside China,
sanctioned site for posters (often in the form of big-character and will open a bottling plant in Shanghai.
posters), offering criticisms and calls for greater freedom and
democracy. Wei Jingsheng emerges at this time, calling for a
8 “Fifth Modernisation”— democracy and individual liberties.
12
November
Xinhua News Agency reports that the first large integrated
steel works to have been designed, manufactured, installed
and constructed in China - the first-stage project of Panzhihua
iron and steel industry base - has been built and put into
operation.
Deng Xiaoping introduces economic and social reforms
9 emphasising increased openness to capitalism and Western
culture. A public response is the “Beijing Spring” democracy
movement, which flourishes until 1979.
Prime Minister Hua Guofeng writes an inscription for the
10 Tiananmen Poems , a soon-to-be-published collection of
56 poetry and essays displayed, read or distributed during the
60 51 liberal protests known as the Tiananmen Incident in April
1976. Hua had been Minister of Public Security at the time
of the demonstration, and was therefore responsible for its
747 suppression. The anonymous poem “The Mourning of the
People” by Huang Rui is included in the collection.

December
The Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee
convenes in Beijing. The guiding policies of “class struggle”
and “continued revolution under the dictatorship of the /
Ma Desheng in his studio, early 1980s
proletariat” are overturned.
Photographed by Li Xiaobin

16 17
Part II / Timeline

1979 4
1979
1979 The year commences with the peak of the Democracy Wall
movement. A government backlash ensues, and the campaigners
· 1
are suppressed. Sino-American diplomatic relations are normalised
in January, and, as China opens up to Western investment, the first
1979 1985 joint ventures are permitted in Special Economic Zones. In the year
10 in which the first TV advertising appeared in China, Deng Xiaoping
announces that the nation is “A market economy with Socialist
characteristics.” Two important art movements – Scar Art (Shang
· Hen Mei Shu, ) and the Stars Group (Xing Xing Hua Hui,
) - emerge this year.

1 January
1 1 In the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic
5 Relations dated January 1, the USA transfers diplomatic recognition
from Taipei to Beijing. Sino-US diplomatic relations are normalised.
Deng Xiaoping visits the United States.

February
Chinese forces battle across the Southern border in Vietnam
2
after Vietnamese troops oust the pro-Beijing Pol-Pot regime in
Cambodia, leading to the month-long Vietnam conflict.
1 6 The National Committee of the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisation in China is established.
54.5 x 39.5 cm 1979 The Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State
Huang Rui, Self-Portrait, Pencil on paper, Council approve the recovery of the Archives Bureau. However, the
54.5 x 39.5 cm, 1979
archives remain largely closed and off-limits to individuals.
Deng Xiaoping pays a two-day visit to Japan.
1979 4 8 /
A memorial for Jian Bozan, a famous writer and former Vice President
1979 4 8 / The poet Mang Ke (centre) hosts Today magazine's first outdoor
The writer Shi Tiesheng attends Today
of Peking University who had been forced to commit suicide during the
poetry reading on April 8, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning
9 magazine's first outdoor poetry reading
Cultural Revolution after severe torture, is held in Beijing.
on April 8, 1979 / Photographed by Chi The New Spring Painting Exhibition, organised by Jiang Feng, opens
Xiaoning 1979 4 8 / in the waterside pavilion in Zhongshan Park.
The poet Bei Dao discusses with audience members during
3 Today magazine's first outdoor poetry reading on April 8, 1979 / March
Photographed by Chi Xiaoning The Party deems the Democracy Wall criticisms too sensitive
and begins an official crackdown. Wei Jingsheng is arrested and
1985
convicted of “counterrevolutionary” activities, and detained as a
1979 4 8 / political prisoner.
Qu Leilei discusses with audience members during Today According to Xinhua News Agency, the State Council decides to
magazine's first outdoor poetry reading on April 8, 1979 / reinstate the Agricultural Bank of China.
Photographed by Chi Xiaoning The first commercial advertising appears on TV for local brand
Lucky Coke on CCTV.
The first Western fashion show is held in China: Pierre Cardin
presents his designs in the Cultural Palace of Minorities in Beijing.

18 19
Part II / Timeline
1979 10 1 /
Huang Rui and Ma Desheng give speeches during the protest march on October 1, 1979 / Photographed by Wang Rui
April
The Seventh Meeting of the National People’s Congress
Standing Committee reaches a decision not to extend the
assistance treaty between China and the Soviet Union.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the state administration
for foreign exchange is established. The State Council
approves the head office of the Bank of China as directly
affiliated to the State Council. It is said that between 1979 and
10 1985, the value of deposits in Chinese banks tripled. People
are able to apply for bank loans for the first time in decades.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kurt Waldheim,
visits China.
The 13th World Table Tennis Championships is held in
Pyongyang; China’s women’s team wins the championship.
May
The Bank of China and the Japan Export-Import Bank sign a
loan agreement for development funds in Tokyo.
The Communist Party Central Committee and the State
Council issue a notice concerning the restoration of the
11 administrative divisions of the autonomous region of Inner
Mongolia.
1979 9 27 /
Yuan Yunsheng looks at wood sculptures on the opening day of June
the Stars Exhibition on September 27, 1979 / Photographed by Chi
China’s ancient trading port, Ningbo, reopens to the
Xiaoning
12 world, specialising in the business of import and export
commodities.
1979 9 27 /
The Chinese and Irish governments sign a joint agreement
Wang Keping and Yuan Yunsheng on the opening day of the Stars
to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, and
Exhibition on September 27, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning send ambassadors between the two countries.
September
1979 9 27 / The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement to reiterate
Front row from left to right: Yuan Yunsheng (second to left), Qu that China has indisputable sovereignty over the Spratly
10 Leilei, Wang Keping and Zhong Acheng at the Stars Exhibition on Islands and their adjacent waters, as well as the resources in
September 27, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning these territories.
1980
A National Tourism Working Conference is held in Beidaihe. The
meeting envisages hosting 3.5 million travelers by 1985.
The Minister of Culture, Huang Zhen, stresses in a Chinese
and foreign press conference that the main task of literary
and artistic circles is to continue to emancipate the mind,
conscientiously implement the “Double Hundred” policy (also
20
called the “Hundred Flowers Movement” initiated by Mao
Zedong in 1956-7 to encourage intellectuals to criticise the
government) and allow literary and artistic creativity to prosper.
Murals are unveiled at Beijing International Airport. Water-
Splashing Festival: Ode to Life (Po Shui Jie–Sheng Ming De
Zan Ge, ) by Yuan Yunsheng includes
nude female figures which cause controversy over nudity in
public art. (The mural is boarded over in 1981).
October
Premier Hua Guofeng pays official visits to France, Germany,
the UK and Italy.
The first round of Sino-Soviet state relations negotiations are
held in Moscow.
The 4th Chinese Literary and Artistic Workers Congress is
held in Beijing. Representative writers, dramatists, artists,
musicians, filmmakers and other literary and art workers
attend the conference.
The historical materials of the Communist Party of China
are modified and re-exhibited in the National Museum of
Revolutionary History after a 13-year suspension.
November
Deng Xiaoping states that China is a market economy with
Socialist characteristics.
Jiang Feng, a rehabilitated rightist, assumes leadership of the
China Artists Association.
December
Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira visits China.
A tourist charter flight from Hong Kong to Beijing formally
opens.
The Chinese government issues a statement strongly
condemning the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, and
insists on its withdrawal.
The Xidan Democracy Wall is sealed off and temporarily
moved to Yuetan Park. This marks the end of the Beijing
Spring Democracy Movement.
The 10th FIBA Asia Championship is held in Japan. The
Chinese men’s basketball team wins the championship and
with it the chance to represent the Asian region in the 1980
Moscow Olympic Games.
21
Part II / Timeline

1980
The effects of Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms begin to show.
Alongside a huge trade deficit, China secures initial loans from
the International Monetary Fund and World Bank; the PRC enacts
its first income tax laws - though these excluded most people.
Culturally, influences from the West continue to reach China,
and are met by growing demand. The movie based on Bai Hua’s
controversial screenplay, Bitter Love (Ku Lian, ), becomes a
target in the campaign against “bourgeois liberalisation”. In an effort
to curb the rapidly-growing population, the “One-Child Policy” is
1979 10 1 implemented at national level. In November, the public trial of the
The start of the Stars protest march, October 1, 1979 / Photographed by Wang Rui Gang of Four begins in Beijing.

January
A shipping line opens between Shanghai Port and Portland Port.
1980 The Chinese Olympic Committee indicates that it will work with
the Olympic committees of other countries to boycott the Moscow
4
Olympic Games.

February
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs exchanges diplomatic notes with
the US Embassy in Beijing, with the result that an agreement on
trade relations between the two countries enters into force.
5 The 13th Winter Olympic Games is held at Lake Placid, USA. The
11 Chinese Sports Delegation takes part in the games - for the first
time after the International Olympic Committee resumed China’s
legal status.
1 1980
The Beijing Press Institute is founded. Honorary President Hu
Qiaomu notes at the National People’s Congress that newspapers
6 and journals should become a thought centre for national and
social stability and unity.

March
2 7 Khieu Samphan, Prime Minister of Democratic Cambodia, visits
China.

April
The People’s Bank of China issues metal coins in denominations of
10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents and 1 Yuan.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) formally decides to resume
-2 70 x 64.5 cm 1980 China’s representation in the organisation.
Huang Rui, Self-Portrait No. 2, Oil on Canvas,
8 70 x 64.5 cm, 1980
May
3 China successfully launches a long-range rocket in the Pacific Ocean.
1980
Ma Desheng, Self-Portrait, Woodcut, 1980
A state memorial for former Chairman of China, Liu Shaoqi, is held

22 23
Part II / Timeline
1980 /
The Stars at the National Art Museum of China, front row from left to right: Qu Leilei, Li Shuang, Zhong Acheng, Ma Desheng, back
row from left to right: Wang Keping, Yan Li, Huang Rui, Chen Yansheng, 1980 / Provided by Huang Rui
1980 /
From left to right: Wang Keping, Ma Desheng, Yan Li, Qu Leilei and Huang Rui in Huang Rui' s courtyard, 1980 / Provided by Huang Rui
in Beijing. Liu was denounced as a “capitalist roader” during
the Cultural Revolution, but his reputation is posthumously
9
1981 rehabilitated by Deng Xiaoping’s government in 1980.
June
10 6 An agreement on civil air transport is signed in Beijing
1949 between the People’s Republic of China and Thailand.
July
1979 200
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
of China expresses strong support for North Korea on
2 the independent and peaceful reunification of the Korean
· Peninsula.
The National Minority Literature Conference is held in Beijing.
The Of the Same Generation Exhibition opens at the National
Art Museum of China in Beijing. Of the Same Generation is
11 3 the first unofficial art group to exhibit at NAMOC.
August
The Standing Committee of the Fifth National People's
Congress approves the State Council’s decision to establish
4 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and
Shantou in Guangdong Province, as well as in Xiamen in
Fujian Province.
12
September
Zhao Ziyang is promoted to the position of Chinese Premier,
replacing Mao’s chosen successor Hua Guofeng.
24
October
A National Conference on City Planning is held in Beijing,
proposing the collection of locally-retained land use fees as a
source of funds for urban infrastructure development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of
China issues a note to the Soviet Embassy to protest the
intrusion of the Soviet army into Inner Mongolia.
Dries Van Agt, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, visits
China. Agreements on economic and technical cooperation
as well as on cultural cooperation are signed between China
and the Netherlands.
November
The public trial of the Gang of Four begins in Beijing.
China International Trust and Investment Corporation, Beijing
Machinery and Electrical Equipment Company and Japan
Oriental Leasing Co., Ltd. sign a contract in Beijing on the joint
establishment of the China Oriental Leasing Company - the
first Sino-foreign joint venture leasing company in China after
1949.
December
The spokesman from the Information Division of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs expresses the Chinese Government's
protest concerning the Dutch Government’s approval of the
sale of submarines to Taiwan.
Volume 1 of the Selected Works of Zhou Enlai is released
across the nation.
25
Part II / Timeline
1981 /
Huang Rui in his studio, 1981 / Photographed by Chen Fan
5 May
6
9 1981
A year of more cautious economic development is ushered
in by Party leader Chen Yun. An exhibition of works from the
Boston Museum of Fine Arts is held in Beijing. The first issue
of China Daily is published in June - the first national English
newspaper since 1949. Other developments include the
opening of Phase 1 of the subway line in Beijing, and a civil
aviation link between Tianjin and Hong Kong. Commodity
11 purchasing power is reported to have increased by 20 billion
RMB since 1979.
February
The first large-scale high-throughput atomic reactor to have
12 been designed and built in China is completed in the South-
/ West.
From left to right: Mang Ke, Ma Desheng, Yin Guangzhong and Yan Li /
Image provided by Yan Li March
The State Family Planning Commission is established as part
1981 /
of the State Council.
Li Shuang in front of her painting, 1981 / Image provided by Yan Li
Mao Dun, the noted novelist and cultural critic, dies in Beijing.
April
The Chinese team is victorious in the World Table Tennis
Championships held in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.
The People’s Liberation Army Daily publishes an article
entitled “The Four Cardinal Principles Cannot Be Violated
– Critique of the Film Script Bitter Love ”. The screenwriter
Bai Hua will endure continuous attacks and criticism in the
following years.
26
The government of the Netherlands confirms the
construction of two submarines for Taiwan, with the result
that diplomatic ties between China and the Netherlands are
downgraded to Charge d' Affaires level.
The first American film week is held in China in cities including
Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Wuhan and Xi’an. Five films are
screened, including: Singin’ in the Rain, Snow White and
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.
June
The Central Committee of the CPC re-announces a summary
of notes on the forum on urban public security in five major
cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou
and Wuhan. A policy of comprehensive public security
management is implemented.
China Daily is officially published - the first national
newspaper in English since 1949.
September
China successfully launches three satellites into orbit
simultaneously.
Beijing subway phase 1 is officially delivered for operation.
The 100th anniversary of the birth of Lu Xun is held in Beijing.
An exhibition of works from the Boston Museum of Fine
Arts is held in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.
This is the first large-scale exhibition of Western abstract
expressionist paintings in China.
November
Xinhua News Agency reports that postgraduates pursuing
doctoral degrees will be recruited from this year.
The Traditional Chinese Painting Research Institute is
established in Beijing.
December
Annual production of bicycles, sewing machines and watches
produced by the Light Industry Department is reported to
have increased significantly.
27
Part II / Timeline

1982 1982
1982 By 1982, complaints about the influence of cultural forms
have been drawn together by the government into a
“Campaign Against Spiritual Pollution”, suggesting the
·
negative influence of Western culture. British Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher visits China, and gives a speech re-
10 affirming the validity of Sino-British treaties regarding
the territory; this sparks student protests in Hong Kong.
According to the national census, the Chinese population has
1
now surpassed 1 billion people. Fine Arts magazine organises
· · a national conference on art theory.
February
The China National Offshore Oil Corp. is formally established
in Beijing.
April
The Central Committee of the CPC and the State Council
announce their intentions to punish grievous economic
crimes.
An exhibition of German Expressionist paintings opens at the
Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing.

January May
Deng Xiaoping meets an Algerian delegation led by US Vice President George Bush visits China.
2
Muhammad Haji Aral.
Volume I of the Selected Works of Liu Shaoqi, compiled by June
Editorial Committee on Party Literature, is published. Fine Arts magazine organises a national conference on art
4 theory in Shennongjia, Hubei Province.

1982 / July
Ma Desheng in front of his work, 1982 / Photographed by Li Xiaobin The third national census begins.
The State Council approves rules for study abroad at one’s
1982 / own expense.
5
Ma Desheng in his studio, 1982 / Photographed by Li Xiaobin
·
September
The 12th National Congress of the CPC is held in Beijing.
6 British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher visits China. She is
the first British Prime Minister to do so. Meetings with Zhao
10 Ziyang and Deng Xiaoping result in the straining of relations
over Hong Kong.
7 The Chairman of the China Artists Association, Jiang Feng,
dies.
1,031,882,511 10 The Exhibition of 250 Years of French Painting opens at the
6 Beijing Exhibition Centre.

9 October
The government resolves that foreigners may travel to
· twenty-nine cities and counties without having to apply for a
travel permit or giving prior notice.
The National Bureau of Statistics states the population to be
1,031,882,511 - thus surpassing 1 billion people.
Chinese gymnast Li Ning wins an unprecedented six gold
medals at the Sixth Artistic Gymnastics World Cup.
79 x 54 cm 1982
Huang Rui, Self-Portrait, Oil on canvas,
79 x 54 cm, 1982

28 29
Part II / Timeline

1983 /
From left to right: Wang Keping, Huang Rui and Yan Li at Huang Rui' s house, 1983 /
1983 / Provided by Huang Rui
From left to right: Ma Desheng, Wang
Keping and Huang Rui in front of Zixin Road 1983 /
Elementary School in Xuanwu District, Beijing, From left to right: the poet Duoduo and Huang Rui at Huang Rui' s house, 1983 /
1983 / Provided by Huang Rui Provided by Huang Rui

March
Xinhua News Agency reports that over 600 Sino-foreign joint
ventures have come about, attracting foreign investment of
USD 1.7 billion since the law on Sino-foreign joint ventures
was passed in 1979.
Minister of Health Qian Xinzhong wins the first United Nations
Population Award, along with Indira Gandhi.

April
The central delegation of the Communist Party of India
makes a two-week visit to Beijing.
The famous Chinese painter Zhang Daqian dies in Taipei at
the age of 81.

1983
600 5
52
·
7
1983
1 Xinhua News Agency reports that over 600 Sino-foreign
8 joint ventures have come about; the PRC announces a trade
surplus of USD 5.2 billion. In what is to be a historic speech,
Deng Xiaoping states that it should be permitted for a
portion of the population to “become rich first”. Exhibitions of
Italian Renaissance art, Picasso, Edvard Munch and French
9 oil painting are held in Beijing. At the close of the year, the
5
Campaign Against Spiritual Pollution becomes a nationwide
movement.
3 January
1979 10 Deng Xiaoping states that it should be permitted for a portion
600 17 of the population to become rich first.
Li Xianting, Editor of the January issue of Fine Arts magazine,
commissions a series of essays on abstract art. He is
· criticised for this and demoted. The following year, he ceases
cooperation with the magazine.
4 Contemporary Literary Trends (Dang Dai Wen Yi Si Chao,
) publishes an article on the emerging poetry
12
community by Xu Jingya. His views on Misty Poetry reportedly
90 generate major repercussions amongst literary theorists.
May
An exhibition of works by Picasso opens at the National Art
Museum of China.
July
Selected works of Deng Xiaoping is published throughout the
country.
August
People’s Daily announces rules on the administration of
foreign exchange for overseas Chinese enterprises, foreign-
owned enterprises and Sino-foreign joint ventures.
September
The Fifth National Games is held in Shanghai.
The State Council issues rules on tobacco monopoly, officially
setting forth the national tobacco monopoly system.
October
The World Tourism Organisation accepts China as a full
member.
During the Second Plenum of the 12th CPC Congress,
Deng Xiaoping emphasises the need to combat “spiritual
pollution”. The Campaign Against Spiritual Pollution becomes
a nationwide movement.
An exhibition of work by Edvard Munch opens at the National
Art Museum of China.
December
The nation launches celebrations for the 90th anniversary of
Mao’s birth.

30 31
Part II / Timeline

b
Timeline of the Stars and
Foreign Literature Magazine
1978 - 1983
1978 1978
10 October
4 8 Following discussions at Huang Rui’s house, Huang Rui, Bei Dao and
Mang Ke decide to launch unofficial literary magazine Today (Jin Tian,
). Huang Rui will serve as its Art Editor, design the covers and
write art commentary essays for the magazine. Huang Rui meets Ma
Desheng, Zhong Acheng and Qu Leilei through preparation work for
12
Today.
12 23
1978-1980 December
4 12.23: The first issue of Today is distributed at the Democracy Wall.
This is the first purely literary publication to have arisen as part of
the Beijing Spring Democracy Movement (1978-1980). Hundreds of
76
limited edition mimeographed copies are sold.
1979
4 5
1979
4 1 ,
April
4.1: The amateur photography group April Photography Society
holds its first exhibition in Zhongshan Park. Huang Rui, Ma Desheng
and Zhong Acheng visit the exhibition and are greatly inspired. They
become friends with photographers Chi Xiaoning, Li Xiaobin, Wang
Zhiping and Ren Shulin.
4.8: Today magazine holds its first outdoor poetry reading in Bayi
Park (later renamed Yuyuantan Park). Qu L eilei’s pen drawings are
displayed; Huang Rui painted the stage backdrop on a bed sheet.
The success of this event encourages Huang Rui to organise a young
artists’ group. Together with Ma Desheng, he decides the criteria
1979 9 27 /
Preface to the Stars Exhibition, September 27, 1979 /
for selecting its members – they must be independent artists or
Photographed by Chi Xiaoning professional artists with views against the mainstream system. The
group will focus on contemporary political, cultural and art historical
1979 /
issues.
Advertisement for the Stars Exhibition painted by
Huang Rui, 1979 / Image provided by Huang Rui
At the end of April, Huang Rui and Ma Desheng establish a preparatory
artist group with fellow members Zhong Acheng, Qu Leilei, Bo Yun (Li
Yongcun), Xue Mingde, Tang Pinggang, Guan Naixin and Yu Meihao.
An initial establishment meeting is held at the Today editorial office
at No. 76, Dongsi 14 Tiao, Beijing. No decision is reached because of
interference from Xue Mingde.
1979 9 27

The Stars Exhibition attracts numerous viewers on

September 27, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning

32 33
Part II / Timeline
1979 9 28 /
On the second day of the Stars Exhibition, many police officers arrive to ban the exhibition, September 28, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning
9
9
May
After meeting Wang Keping through Qu Leilei, Huang Rui and
9 27 10 3
Ma Desheng decide on the central members of the group, which
9 27
include Wang Keping, Qu Leilei, Zhong Acheng, Bo Yun, Gan
23 150
Shaocheng, Zhu Jinshi, Wang Luyan, Yan Li and Li Shuang. By
early summer, preparations for their first exhibition are complete.
June
Huang Rui and Ma Desheng apply to Liu Xun, Chairman of the
Beijing Artists Association, to mount a formal exhibition.
:
September
At the beginning of September, Huang Rui, Ma Desheng, Wang
Keping and the other artists name the exhibition The Stars
Exhibition (Xing Xing Mei Zhan, ). As the Beijing Artists
Association continues not to approve the exhibition, they select
a park on the East side of the National Art Museum of China as
the site, and plan to stage the exhibition over the National Day
holiday from 17th September to 3rd October.
9.27: The works and the exhibition preface for the proposed
Stars Exhibition are hung on the park fence of the National Art
Museum of China. There are close to 150 works by 23 artists.
The artists participating in the first Stars Exhibition are Huang
1979 9 27
Rui, Ma Desheng, Wang Keping, Ai Weiwei, Bo Yun, Zhong
Viewers participate in the Stars Exhibition on September 27, 1979 /
Photographed by Chi Xiaoning
Acheng, Shao Fei, Shao Jingkun, Mao Lizi, Li Shuang, Qu Leilei,
9 28 Yan Li, Zhou Maiyou, Zhu Jinshi, Yin Guangzhong, Guan Naixin,
1979 9 27 Yang Yiping, Gan Shaocheng, He Baosen, Wang Luyan, Zheng
Viewers enjoying the works in the Stars Exhibition on September 27, 1979 /
Zhenting, Cao Liwei and Wang Jianzhong.
Photographed by Chi Xiaoning
1979 / Preface to the first Stars Exhibition:
Invitation card of the Stars Exhibition, 1979 / Provided by Huang Rui “We, twenty-three art explorers, present to you some of the fruits
9 29 of our labours.
The world offers unlimited possibilities for explorers.
We see the world with our own eyes, and participate in it with our
brushes and chisels. Our artworks contain various emotions,
and our emotions reflect our individual ideals.
34
The years march toward us; there are no mysterious signs
guiding our actions. This is precisely the challenge that life has
given us. We cannot remove the element of time; the shadow of
the past and the light of the future are folded together, forming
the environment in which we live. It is our responsibility to live on
steadfastly and remember each lesson learned……”
The outdoor exhibition is well received. In addition to intellectuals
and friends that the artists have invited, the exhibition also
attracts many curious passers-by. Starting with this exhibition,
Chi Xiaoning and Ren Shulin begin filming an independent
documentary film on the Stars Exhibition.
9.28: Police officers from the Dongcheng District Branch
intervene, claiming that the exhibition “affects public order and
environmental cleanliness”. They call for the cancellation of the
exhibition, and bring students from the Public Security School to
create a disturbance. In order to stabilise the situation, Huang Rui
and Ma Desheng negotiate with police officers at the Dongcheng
District Branch office, refusing to cancel the exhibition.
9.29: The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau (Dongcheng
District Branch) issues a notice:
“Recently, it has been discovered that certain persons have been
hanging posters and holding an exhibition in the National Art
Museum of China park, which has affected daily life and social
order.
With the aim of preserving social order, holding exhibitions
and sticking, hanging or writing any kind of publicity material
or character posters is not permitted in this park, according
to the regulations of The People’s Republic of China Security
Administration Penalty Law …Violators will be penalised……”
9.29: On the morning of the 29th, Huang Rui and the other
artists discover that the artworks have been removed by the
police. This results in a heated argument between the police and
the artists. Around noon, Liu Xun, representing the Beijing Artists
35
Part II / Timeline

10 9

11 -12
1979 9 29 /
11 23 12 2 The confiscated works by the Stars artists are kept in the storage room of the National Art Museum of China on September 29, 1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning

11 12

Association (and later the Beijing Municipal Government),
announces that the exhibition must close on account of
9 29 30 , , : security measures for the National Day holiday. The artworks
will be returned, but can only be exhibited at a Beijing Artists
Association venue after 10th October (the end of the public
10 1
holiday).
9.29/30: Following discussion between members of the Stars
Exhibition and members of underground publications such
as Today, April 5th Forum, Fertile Ground, Beijing Spring and
9 30 Explore, a protest march is planned for 1st October - the 30 year
anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of
10 China. It is decided to begin at Democracy Wall and end at the
10 1 Beijing Municipal Government building. The protest slogan is “We
want political democracy! We want artistic freedom!” The front
line leaders of the march are Xu Wenli, Huang Rui, Lu Pu and Bei
Dao, with Wang Keping, Liu Qing and Mang Ke behind them.
9.30: Liu Xun requests that the Stars artists abandon the march;
they refuse.
October
10.1: In the morning, the protesters gather at Democracy Wall
in Xidan. The leaders, including Huang Rui and Ma Desheng,
give statements or make speeches. As the planned route of the
march along Chang’an Avenue is blocked by police, it is altered
to Qiansanmen Avenue.
Upon reaching the Municipal Government building, the leaders
of the march present a letter of protest, and the group disperses.
10.9: Today magazine holds its second outdoor poetry reading in
Bayi Park.
exhibition creates a stir in Beijing.
Late-November and mid-December: Liu Xun and Li Xianting
hold two symposia linked to the exhibition at Huafang Zhai and
the National Art Museum of China.
After the exhibition, Huang Rui and Ma Desheng give a report to
Liu Xun:
“From November 23 to December 2, 1979, the Stars Exhibition
has attracted around 33,000 visitors, with more than 8100
visitors on the last day alone. According to employees at
the park, this exhibition has reached an unparalleled level of
popularity.
Fourteen suggestion books have been filled at the exhibition,
and they include close to a hundred poems. Five provinces and
cities have invited the exhibition to tour there (in Yunnan, Hunan,
Tianjin, Nanjing and Dongbei), and some invitations have been
offered by persons in charge of artists associations. Some
German and French people have suggested that we exhibit
abroad.
Visitors from the fine art world include Jiang Feng, Liu Xun, Hua
Junwu, Cai Ruohong, Ye Qianyu, Huang Yongyu, Zhang Ding, Wu
Guanzhong and professors and teachers from the Academy of
Fine Arts and the Academy of Art and Design.
Visitors from the art and literature world include Ai Qing,
Chen Dengke, Xie Tian, a famous composer from the Central
Philharmonic Orchestra, the novelist Qu Bo, etc.
Persons in charge of the CPC Municipal Committee also came
to the exhibition. ……”

November - December
1979 9 29 / 11.23-12.2: Liu Xun arranges for the Stars Exhibition to be
The police bans the Stars Exhibition and hangs an moved to a venue belonging to the Beijing Artists Association -
announcement on the fence on September 29, 1979
Huafang Zhai in Beihai park. Reopening after its suppression, the
/ Provided by Huang Rui

36 37
Part II / Timeline

1980
3

1980 8
7
The Stars artists wait outside the National Art Museum of China, back row from left to right: Li Shuang, Yan Li, Chen Yansheng, Huang Rui, Yang
7 Yiping, Zhong Acheng, Guo Xinyu and Zhu Jinshi, August 1980 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning

7 28

1980
8 -9
March There are more than 100,000 visitors to the exhibition over
8 Fine Arts (Mei Shu, magazine publishes an article by 18 days, far exceeding the museum’s previous records. More
8 16 Editor Li Xianting on the Stars artists, as well as an article in than 9000 tickets are sold on the last day alone.
8 20 9 4 which the writer and Stars artist, Qu Leilei, proclaims “Art for Artists participating in the second Stars Exhibition include
the sake of self-expression”. The article prompts discussions Huang Rui, Ma Desheng, Wang Keping, Ai Weiwei, Bo Yun,
about the function of art. Zhong Acheng, Song Hong, Shao Fei, Mao Lizi, Li Shuang,
Qu Leilei, Yan Li, Wang Luyan, Zhou Maiyou, Zhu Jinshi, Yin
July Guangzhong, Guan Naixin, Yang Yiping, Gan Shaocheng, Zhi
At the beginning of July, on the suggestion of Liu Xun, the Zhong, Zhang Shiqi, He Baosen, Liu Daxuan, Xiao Dayuan, Li
Stars artists hold a meeting at Huang Rui’s house and decide Yongqi, Bao Pao, Chen Yansheng, He Baosen, Zhao Dalu and
to establish the Stars Group. They successfully register as Zhao Gang.
part of the Beijing Artists Association. In September, Stars artists Huang Rui, Ma Desheng, Wang
: 7.28: The first issue of Foreign Literature (Wai Guo Wen Keping, Zhong Acheng and Qu Leilei are invited by the student
Xue, ) is issued by the Foreign Language Teaching council of the Central Academy of Fine Arts to give lectures
and Research Press, a subsidiary of Beijing Foreign Studies at the university. Chen Danqing, a graduate student at CAFA,
University. creates a large number of portrait sketches for the five artists.
1979 /
The Stars Exhibition reopens at the Beihai Huafang Zhai and is well-received by viewers, August-September October-the following January
1979 / Photographed by Chi Xiaoning Today magazine is suspended from this month, as its On the invitation of artists from other provinces, Huang Rui
9
application to become a registered publication has been and Ma Desheng embark on a trip to promote the Stars,
rejected by the Ministry of Culture. meet other artists and visit historical cities and famous
8.16: People’s Daily publishes an advertisement for the mountains. Chen Yansheng participates in part of the trip.
second Stars Exhibition. From late October to early January, they visit twenty-nine
10 -1981 1 8.20-9.4: On the recommendation and with the approval of cities and regions including Datong, Taiyuan, Xi’an, Baoji,
Jiang Feng, Chairman of the China Artists Association, the Yibin, Chengdu, Guiyang, Chongqing, Wanxian, Dazu, Guilin,
second Stars Exhibition is formally displayed on the third Xining, Beihai, Zhanjiang, Haikou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and
floor of the National Art Museum of China. The number of Shanghai.
10 1 29 participating artists has swelled to thirty-seven. They give around ten lectures on the Stars exhibitions and
Because of the profits gained from ticket sales, the museum contemporary art in the Shanxi Jincheng region, at the Xi’an
offers to extend the exhibition by three days to September 7. Artists Association, the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Guiyang

38 39
Part II / Timeline

1982

1981
1980
After the Stars Exhibition closes, Chen Fan photographs Bao Pao' s works on the rooftop of the National Art Museum of China, 1980 /
9 13 Provided by Huang Rui

8 Artists Association, the Fine Art Department of Guangxi
Teachers Education University in Liuzhou City, the Art
1983 School of Guilin and the graduate student dormitory at the
Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. There are close to 2000
8 14
audience members.
1981
9 Huang Rui, Ma Desheng and Wang Keping, who were
originally Beijing Artists Association members, are not
81 85
permitted to re-enroll.
84 85
August
On the recommendation of a friend, Huang Rui joins Foreign
Literature magazine as Art Editor. This position is not directly
connected to the Stars, whose activities (and those of Today
magazine) can no longer be public due to greater political
constraints. Huang Rui does, however, stay connected to the
Stars artists by using their works as illustrations for Foreign
Literature magazine.
Ai Weiwei moves to the United States for further study.
September
Li Shuang is arrested because of “incomplete procedures” in
her application to marry a French diplomat, and is sentenced
to re-education through labour.
1982
At the beginning of the summer, Huang Rui leaves his position
1980 8 1983 8
at Foreign Literature magazine.
Invitation for the second Stars Exhibition, August 1980 / Invitation card of the exhibition Ma Desheng, Huang Rui and Wang Keping: New Works of Ink
Provided by Huang Rui Paintings, Oil Paintings and Woodcuts, August 1983 / Provided by Huang Rui His departure is provoked by information from the magazine’s
Editor-in-Chief, who informs him that there is too much
pressure involved in keeping him on as Art Editor; this is most
likely due to his involvement with the Stars. He is replaced by
an artistically conservative graduate of the Central Academy
of Fine Arts.
The high-level conservatives in the art world fear the success
of the Stars exhibitions. Riding on the wave of the Campaign
Against Spiritual Pollution, they launch an attack on Jiang
Feng because of his support of the Stars. He dies in Beijing on
September 13.
T h e C h i n a A r t i sts Asso c i a t i o n m a ga z i n e, A r t i sts
Communications, published at the end of the year, criticises
the Stars exhibitions.
1983
8.14: An exhibition of work by Huang Rui, Ma Desheng and
Wang Keping is held in two classrooms at the Zixin Road
Elementary School in Xuanwu District, Beijing. On its fifth day,
the show is closed down by the local Public Security Bureau.
Soon afterwards, the government’s Campaign Against
Spiritual Pollution spreads nationwide. Huang Rui applies to
leave China, and moves to Japan a year later. Yan Li leaves for
the USA at the same time, where Ai Weiwei has been living
since 1981. Qu Leilei goes to the UK in 1985 whilst Li Shuang,
Ma Desheng, Wang Keping and Mao Lizi leave for France in
1984-85.

40 41
 Part III / Images

42 43
Part III / Images

a Huang Rui
Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Huang Rui
Untitled
Pen and ink on paper
19.8 x 27.6 cm
1982

44 45
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Untitled Untitled
Pen and ink on paper Pen and ink on paper
30.5 x 21.1 cm 30.5 x 21.1 cm
1982 1982

46 47
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Untitled 1981 11 Illustration for Foreign Literature , November 1981
Pen and ink on paper Pen and ink on paper
30.3 x 21.1 cm 19.4 x 18 cm
1982 1981

48 49
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Illustration by Huang Rui Illustration by Huang Rui

1981 9 Foreign Literature , September 1981 1981 9 Foreign Literature , September 1981
Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm

Huang Rui
1981 9 Illustration for Foreign Literature , November 1981
Pen and ink on paper
15.4 x 18.5 cm
1981

50 51
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Zhong Acheng
Zhong Acheng 1982 3
Untitled Illustration for Foreign Literature , March 1981
Ink on paper Ink on paper
22.2 x 14 cm 26.8 x 10.6 cm
1982 1982

52 53
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Illustration by Huang Rui Illustration by Huang Rui Illustration by Huang Rui Illustration by Huang Rui
1982 1 Foreign Literature , January 1982 1982 1 Foreign Literature , January 1982 1982 2 Foreign Literature , February 1982 1982 2 Foreign Literature , February 1982
Ink print Ink print Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm

54 55
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Ma Desheng
1981 12
Illustration for Foreign Literature , December 1981
Woodcut
26.5 x 36.7 cm
1981

56 57
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Ma Desheng
1982 8 Illustration for Foreign Literature , August 1982
Woodcut
Ma Desheng
20.8 x 28 cm
1982 8 Illustration for Foreign Literature , August 1982
1982
Woodcut
28.5 x 22.2 cm
1982

58 59
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Ma Desheng
Ma Desheng 1981 12
Untitled Illustration for Foreign Literature , December 1981
Woodcut Woodcut
26.8 x 19.7 cm 43.8 x 22.6 cm
1981 1981

60 61
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Illustration by Ma Desheng Illustration by Ma Desheng Illustration by Ma Desheng Illustration by Ma Desheng

1982 8 Foreign Literature , August 1982 1982 8 Foreign Literature , August 1982 1982 5 Foreign Literature , May 1982 1982 5 Foreign Literature , May 1982
Ink print Ink print Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm

62 63
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Qu Leilei
1981 12 Illustration for Foreign Literature , December 1981
Pen on paper
19.6 x 13.7 cm
1981
Qu Leilei
1981 12 Illustration for Foreign Literature , December 1981
Pen on paper
19.6 x 13.7 cm
1981

64 65
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Zhong Acheng Zhong Acheng

1981 11 Illustration for Foreign Literature , November 1981 1981 11 Illustration for Foreign Literature , November 1981
Pen on paper Pen on paper
25.9 x 17.7 cm 25.8 x 18.5 cm
1981 1981

66 67
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Zhong Acheng Illustration by Zhong Acheng Illustration by Zhong Acheng

1981 11 Illustration for Foreign Literature , November 1981 1982 10 Foreign Literature , October 1981 1982 10 Foreign Literature , October 1981
Pen on paper Ink print Ink print
14.4 x 20.9 cm 26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm
1981

68 69
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Illustration by Yuan Yunsheng Illustration by Yuan Yunsheng

1982 2 Foreign Literature , February 1982 1982 2 Foreign Literature , February 1982
Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm

Yuan Yunsheng
1982 2 Illustration for Foreign Literature , February 1982
Ink on paper
20.7 x 19.5 cm
1982

70 71
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Illustration by Wang Huaiqing Illustration by Wang Huaiqing

1982 3 Foreign Literature, March 1982 1982 3 Foreign Literature, March 1982
Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 26 x 18.7 cm

Wang Huaiqing
1982 3 Illustration for Foreign Literature, March 1982
Ink on paper
37.5 x 24.9 cm
1982

72 73
Part III / Images a Huang Rui / Art Editor for Foreign Literature

Sun Weimin
1982 3 Foreign Literature , March 1982
Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm

Sun Weimin
1982 3
Illustration for Foreign Literature , March 1982
Pen on paper
24.3 x 15.4 cm
1982

74 75
Part III / Images

b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng

Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Huang Rui
1979 1 Cover of Today , Issue No. 1 (January 1979 reprint)
Ink print
25.2 x 18 cm
1978

76 77
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Huang Rui Flyleaf of Collections of Poems by Bei Dao

Back Cover of Collections of Poems by Bei Dao Ink print and pen on paper
Ink print 25.8 x 17.5 cm
25.8 x 17.5 cm 1982
1982

Huang Rui
Cover of Collections of Poems by Bei Dao
Ink print
25.8 x 17.5 cm
1982

78 79
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Cover of The Unfamiliar Beach by Bei Dao Cover of Start From Here by Jiang He
Ink print Ink print
26 x 18.7 cm 25.8 x 18.6 cm
1982 1982

80 81
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Pencil Sketch of the cover of Uninteresting Poems Cover of Uninteresting Poems by Xia Pu (Huang Rui)
Pen on paper Ink print
26.9 x 18.5 cm 26.1 x 17.2 cm
1982 1982

82 83
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Flyleaf of Old Dreams by Mang Ke

Cover of Old Dreams by Mang Ke Pen on paper and ink print
Woodcut 26 x 18.3cm
26 x 18.3cm 1982
1982

84 85
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke
Woodcut Woodcut
26 x 18.3 cm Image 20.2 x 15.7 cm 26 x 18.3 cm ( Image 20.2 x 15.5 cm)
1982 1982

86 87
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke
Woodcut Woodcut
26 x 18.3 cm ( Image 20.4 x 16 cm 26 x 18.3 cm ( Image 20.4 x 16 cm
1982 1982

88 89
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke
Woodcut Woodcut
26 x 18.3 cm Image 19 x 14.1 cm 26 x 18.3 cm Image 20.1 x 15.8 cm
1982 1982

90 91
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng
Illustration for Old Dreams by Mang Ke
Woodcut
26 x 18.3 cm Image 20.1 x 15.8 cm
1982

92 93
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Flyleaf of Palm Tree by Mo Fei

Cover of Palm Tree by Mo Fei Pen on paper
Woodcut 25.3 x 18.4 cm
25.3 x 18.4 cm 1983
1983

94 95
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Palm Tree by Mo Fei Illustration for Palm Tree by Mo Fei
Woodcut Woodcut
25.3 x 18.4 cm Image 22.1 x 15.1 cm 25.3 x 18.4 cm Image 22.2 x 15 cm
1983 1983

96 97
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Palm Tree by Mo Fei Illustration for Palm Tree by Mo Fei
Woodcut Woodcut
25.3 x 18.4 cm Image 22.4 x 15 cm 25.3 x 18.4 cm Image 22.4 x 15 cm
1983 1983

98 99
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Flyleaf of Cliff by Xue Di

Cover of Cliff by Xue Di Pen on paper
Woodcut 26 x 16.6 cm
26 x 16.6 cm 1983
1983

100 101
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration of Cliff by Xue Di Illustration of Cliff by Xue Di
Woodcut Woodcut
26 x 16.6 cm Image 18.2 x 6.9 cm 26 x 16.6 cm Image 5.9 x 13.2 cm
1983 1983

102 103
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration of Cliff by Xue Di Illustration of Cliff by Xue Di
Woodcut Woodcut
26 x 16.6 cm Image 11.1 x 12.2 cm 26 x 16.6 cm Image 14.8 x 10.8 cm
1983 1983

104 105
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng 24 Flyleaf of 24 Short Poems by Yan Li

24 Cover of 24 Short Poems by Yan Li Pen on paper and ink print
Woodcut 25.6 x 18.5 cm
25.6 x 18.5 cm 1982
1982

106 107
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Flyleaf of Selection of Poems by Yan Li

Cover of Selection of Poems by Yan Li Pen on paper and ink print
Woodcut 25.6 x 16.5 cm
25.6 x 16.5 cm Image 14.8 x 10.8 cm 1982
1982

108 109
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng

Illustration for Selection of Poems by Yan Li Illustration for Selection of Poems by Yan Li
Woodcut Woodcut
25.6 x 16.5cm Image 13.6 x 11 cm 25.6 x 16.5cm Image 15.1 x 11.6cm
1982 1982

110 111
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng

Illustration for Selection of Poems by Yan Li Illustration for Selection of Poems by Yan Li
Woodcut Woodcut
25.6 x 16.5 cm Image 10.2 x 13.2 cm 25.6 x 16.5 cm Image 14 x 11.5 cm
1982 1982

112 113
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Cover of Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke Flyleaf of Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke
Ink on paper Pen on paper and ink print
24.8 x 17.5 cm 24.8 x 17.5 cm
1984 1984

114 115
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke
Watercolor and oil on paper Watercolor and oil on paper
24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 19.6 x 14.2 cm 24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 19.4 x 13.1 cm
1984 1984

116 117
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke
Watercolor and oil on paper Watercolor and oil on paper
24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 12.6 x 13 cm 24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 20.4 x 11.6 cm
1984 1984

118 119
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng Ma Desheng
Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke
Watercolor and oil on paper Watercolor and oil on paper
24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 20.7 x 12.4 cm 24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 18 x 10.8 cm
1984 1984

120 121
Part III / Images b Huang Rui and Ma Desheng / Illustrations for Poetry Collections

Ma Desheng
Illustration for Sunflower in the Sun by Mang Ke
Watercolor and oil on paper
24.8 x 17.5 cm Image 8.5 x 14.5 cm
1984

122 123
Part III / Images

c Huang Rui
Works on Paper

A selection of improvised sketches created by Huang Rui during the Stars Period.

Huang Rui
Woman and Dove
Ink on paper
23.8 x 17.2 cm
1981

124 125
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman and Dove Woman and Dove
Ink on paper (ink transfer) Ink on paper
25.9 x 19.2 cm 25.9 x 19.2 cm
1981 1981

126 127
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Girls Girls
Pencil on paper Pencil on paper
26.9 x 18.6 cm 27.5 x 19.7 cm
1982 1982

128 129
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Young People on the Street (front) Young People on the Street (back)
Ink on paper Pen on paper
20.9 x 18.4 cm 20.9 x 18.4 cm
1981 1981

130 131
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Young People on the Street Lovers
Ink and pencil on paper Pencil on paper
27.8 x 19 cm 26.1 x 18.9 cm
1982 1982

132 133
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Lovers (front) Lovers (back)
Pencil on paper Pencil on paper
26.1 x 18.9 cm 26.1 x 18.9 cm
1982 1982

134 135
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Man and Woman
Pencil and watercolor on paper Pen on paper
25.4 x 17.4 cm 29.1 x 21.4 cm
1982 1982

136 137
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Woman
Pen on paper Pen on paper
25.4 x 17.4 cm 27 x 19.4 cm
1982 1982

138 139
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Women
Pen on paper Pen on paper
29 x 20.5 cm 29.1 x 21.4 cm
1982 1982

140 141
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Women Women
Pen on paper Pen on paper
29.2 x 20.5 cm 29.4 x 21.6 cm
1982 1982

142 143
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Man and Woman Women
Pencil on paper Pen on paper
25.4 x 17.4 cm 25.4 x 17.4 cm
1982 1982

144 145
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Man and Woman Man and Woman
Pencil on paper Pencil on paper
25.4 x 17.4 cm 25.4 x 17.4 cm
1982 1982

146 147
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Man and Woman Woman
Pencil on paper Pencil on paper
20.7 x 15.5 cm 20.7 x 15.5 cm
1982 1982

148 149
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman (back) Woman (front) Woman
Pencil on paper Pencil on paper Pencil on paper
20.7 x 15.7 cm 20.7 x 15.7 cm 20.7 x 15.7 cm
1982 1982 1982

150 151
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Ball of Yarn (based on the female form) Look
Ink on paper Ink on paper
10.2 x 15.1 cm 12.6 x 18.5 cm
1982 1982

152 153
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

White Spider (based on the female form) Press (based on the female form)
Ink on paper Ink on paper
15 x 10.4 cm 15 x 10.6 cm
1982 1982

154 155
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Modern Sofa (based on the female form) Building Blocks (based on the female form)
Ink on paper Ink on paper
15 x 10.4 cm 15 x 10.4 cm
1982 1982

156 157
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Weather Vane (based on the female form) Tower Crane (based on the female form)
Ink on paper Ink on paper
15 x 10.4 cm 15 x 10.4 cm
1982 1982

158 159
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Torpedo (based on the female form) Cobra (based on the female form)
Ink on paper Ink on paper
15 x 10.6 cm 15 x 10.3 cm
1982 1982

160 161
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui
Sprouting Potato (based on the female form)
Ink on paper
15 x 10.4 cm
1982

162 163
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui
Mrs. Tome Mrs. Tome (back)
Pen on paper
16.9 x 24 cm
1982

Huang Rui
Mrs. Tome Mrs. Tome (front)
Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm
1982

164 165
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Woman
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

166 167
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman or Scenery Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

168 169
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Woman
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

170 171
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman or Scenery Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

172 173
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman Dream and Freedom
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

174 175
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui
Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper
12 x 16.9 cm
1982

Huang Rui
Hand, Foot, Shoe
Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm
1982

176 177
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman or Scenery Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

178 179
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman or Scenery Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

180 181
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui Huang Rui

Woman or Scenery Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm 16.9 x 12 cm
1982 1982

182 183
Part III / Images c Huang Rui / Works on Paper

Huang Rui
Woman or Scenery
Pen on paper
16.9 x 12 cm
1982

184 185
Part III / Images

d Stars Artists
Works on Paper

The Stars artists would often exchange works amongst themselves; here are
reproduced works by other Stars artists which were collected by Huang Rui.

Gan Shaocheng
Part and Internal
Gouache on cardboard
21.4 x 26.1 cm
1979

186 187
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei
Dunhuang Mural Sketch Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Gouache on paper Gouache on paper
8.9 x 9.4 cm 9.5 x 9 cm
1980 1980

188 189
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei
Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Gouache on paper
Gouache on paper
9.4 x 8.9 cm
9.4 x 8.9 cm
1980
1980

190 191
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei
Dunhuang Mural Sketch Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Gouache on paper Gouache on paper
9.4 x 8.9 cm 9.4 x 8.9 cm
1980 1980

192 193
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Ai Weiwei Ai Weiwei
Dunhuang Mural Sketch Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Gouache on paper Gouache on paper
9.3 x 9 cm 9.3 x 9 cm
1980 1980

194 195
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Ai Weiwei
Dunhuang Mural Sketch
Gouache on paper
9.4 x 8.7 cm
1980

196 197
Part III / Images d Stars Artists / Works on Paper

Li Shuang
Untitled
Oil pastel on paper
19.1 x 20 cm
1980

198 199
 Part IV / Artists' Biographies

200 201
Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Huang Rui Ma Desheng

1952 1952 b. 1952, Beijing b. 1952, Beijing
Lives and works in Beijing Lives and works in Paris

Huang Rui’s work incorporates painting, installation,
performance, photography and woodcut printing, and
early on made reference to a number of Western artistic
influences including Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism
1979 1978 26
and Cubism. Following a period of labour in Inner Mongolia,
Huang returned to Beijing and worked at a leather company
1978 1982 until 1979. At the time, he studied art briefly at Beijing
1983 Workers‘ Cultural Centre. Commencing in 1978, Huang co-
published the unofficial journal Today - considered one of the
1984 2001 1985
most radical publications to have arisen after the Cultural
2002 798 Revolution. Huang relocated to Tokyo in 1984, where he began
798 B.T.A.P.) 2007 2008 2008 producing installation art works. He returned in 2001, and
made his home and studio in the 798 Art District in 2002 –
2003 798 2002 one of its earliest occupants. That same year, Huang brought
2010 in the gallery Beijing Tokyo Art Projects (B.T.A.P.). Starting
from 2003, he organised the Dashanzi International Art
2008 1978
Festival for four consecutive years, which greatly contributed
2007 -CHINA to the protection of the 798 industrial complex and its
2007
transformation into an official art zone. Recent important
exhibitions include: China Avant-Garde at the Groninger
2007 Museum, the Netherlands (2008), Huang Rui, The Stars’
1979 Times at Hexiangning Museum in Shenzhen, China (2007),
Chai-na/China at Les Rencontres d' Arles, France (2007)
and Made in China at the Louisiana Museum, Denmark
(2007). Huang Rui is one of the most controversial artists in
the history of Chinese contemporary art; the Stars Group he
founded in 1979 was integral to the development of Chinese
contemporary art. Huang organised and participated in both
Stars exhibitions.
A self-taught artist with no formal training, Ma Desheng worked
as an industrial draftsman and woodblock print artist before
beginning to paint with traditional Chinese ink. Ma’s early works
were woodcut prints carved sharply with strong chiaroscuro,
showing the influence of Western Realism and Expressionism.
In 1978, at the age of 26, Ma participated in the publication of
popular unofficial journal Today, with two woodcut prints and
a short story. In 1982, Ma’s work was shown at the Brooklyn
Museum in New York. The following year, he exhibited alongside
Huang Rui and Wang Keping in Beijing and had a solo exhibition
in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ma lived in Switzerland in 1985, and
relocated to France a year later. Further exhibitions include
Foire de Paris at the Grand Palais, Paris (2007 and 2008)
and Go China! at the Groninger Museum, the Netherlands
(2008). Since 2002, Ma Desheng has been using propylene
as an artistic material. His magnum opus is Story of Stone,
shown as a solo exhibition at Hong Kong Arts Centre in 2010.
Ma organized the two Stars exhibitions with Huang Rui, and
participated in both with woodcut prints. Huang Rui and Ma
Desheng met in 1978 through Today magazine.

202 203
Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Ai Weiwei Gan Shaocheng

1957 1948 b. 1957, Beijing b. 1948, Beijing
1996 Lives and works in Beijing d. 1996

Ai Weiwei is an interdisciplinary artist, architect and cultural Nicknamed Lao Niu and known also as Lao Gan (Old Gan), Gan
critic. The son of the poet Ai Qing, Ai was exiled with his Shaocheng remained itinerant throughout his life, but made many
1976 1978 1965 1980
family to Xinjiang at the age of ten. The family returned to friends. Following his graduation from junior high school in 1965,
1982 1984 1 Beijing in 1976, and in 1978, Ai was studying at the Beijing Gan was sent to work in the countryside in Shanxi Province. In
10 1993 1996
Film Academy. By 1982, he had enrolled at the Parsons 1980, he was transferred back to Beijing to await a job assignment,
School of Design in New York, and remained in America and in 1984 began to create wood carvings there. A year later,
3 1994 250 11 50 for over ten years. Ai returned to Beijing in 1993, where he alongside fellow artists Shao Fan and Liu Ye, he established an arts
1995 1997 1997 1989 1992 helped establish the artists’ East Village, and published a and crafts research group. Before his premature death in a car
series of three books about the generation (Black Cover accident in 1996, Gan had created around 250 wood carvings, 11
1998
Book - 1994, White Cover Book - 1995 and Gray Cover Book stone carvings and 50 paintings in oil; his most prolific years were
2000 1979 - 1997). Ai remains the Artistic Director of China Art Archives between 1989 and 1992. The year of his death, China Art Museum
Fuck Off & Warehouse (CAAW), which he co-founded in 1997. In 1998, staged a posthumous exhibition of Gan Shaocheng’s work. Gan
he moved to Beijing’s Caochangdi District where he designed came into contact with the Stars Group as a painter. In 1979, He
2003 2003 and built a studio and housing compound. In 2000, Ai curated participated in the Stars Exhibition with four works, and also in
the seminal exhibition Fuck Off with critic and curator Feng the second Stars Exhibition. Gan met Huang Rui through Today
Boyi in Shanghai, and founded the architecture studio FAKE journal writer Shi Tiesheng.
48
Design in 2003. He collaborated with the Swiss firm Herzog
1999 2002 and de Meuron for the Beijing Olympic Stadium in 2003.
2006 12
Major exhibitions of Ai Weiwei’s work include the 48th Venice
Biennale, (1999), 1st Guangzhou Triennale (2002), The 5th
2007 2008 29 Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary (2006), Documenta
2010 12 (2007), the Liverpool Biennial (2008) and the 29th Sao
Paulo Biennial (2010). His work is held in art collections
1979
internationally. In 1979, Ai met Huang Rui through the poet Bei
Dao, and took part in two Stars exhibitions with watercolour
paintings.

204 205
Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Li Shuang Qu Leilei
1957 1951 b. 1957, Beijing b. 1951, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province
Lives and works in Paris Lives and works in London

1976 1958 1964 Upon her graduation from high school in 1976, Li Shuang
was sent to the countryside for two years to work. Painting
1978 1973
provided an escape from daily physical labour, and after
1977 1978 returning to Beijing in 1978, Li worked as a stage designer for
1983 1982 1985
the National Youth Art Theatre. The first female artist to marry
a foreigner after the Cultural Revolution (an act that cost her
1983 1986 1988 two years of condemnation), Li emigrated to France in 1983.
1989 Li’s work – primarily oil painting - reflects a belief in Chinese
art as a spiritual movement from the heart, while Western
paintings concentrate on the scene, or on composition. Whilst
- her early work was in still life and landscape, Li’s oeuvre has
1989 2000 1999
developed to embrace figurative subjects, most often that of
a woman with slanted eyes and an air of serenity. Exhibitions
- 2005 - 2005 of her work include, in 1989, Tiananmen, June Fourth at the
2007 2010 Centre Pompidou, Paris, The Stars: Twenty Years at Tokyo
Gallery, Japan in 2000, La Chine à Rueil at Rueil-Malmaison,
1979
France (2005), Origin Point—Stars Group Retrospective
Exhibition, Beijing Today Art Museum in 2007 and, in 2010,
The Butterfly Dream at Dialogue Space Gallery, Beijing. Li
Shuang was the only woman in the Stars Group in 1979. She
showed her work in both Stars exhibitions. Huang Rui and Ma
Desheng met Li Shuang through the poet Mang Ke.
At the age of 4, Qu Leilei moved with his family to Beijing. He
was a student of traditional Chinese painting from 1958-1964.
Qu was for a time sent to work in the countryside during
the Cultural Revolution. In 1973, he began to study Western
art history from the Renaissance to the Postmodern, and
from 1977-1978 enrolled for a year of anatomical studies at
Beijing Medical University. From 1982-1985, he worked as a
designer at China Central Television, winning the National TV
Drama Design Award in 1983. Qu attended the Central School
of Art and Design from 1986-1988. The following year saw
several international exhibitions of his work. Qu’s educational
activities include lecturing at the British Museum, the Ruskin
School at the University of Oxford, the Royal Academy of
Arts, the University of London School of Oriental and African
Studies, as well as Sotheby’s and Christie’s auction houses;
he is also the author of a number of books. In 1999, he was
made President of the UK Chinese Brush Painters Society.
In 2005, his solo exhibition, Everyone’s Life is an Epic, was
held at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Qu met Huang
Rui through Today magazine, to which he contributed
illustrations; he participated in two Stars exhibitions, firstly
with ink drawings and secondly with oil paintings and ink
drawings.

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Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Sun Weimin Wang Huaiqing

1946 1944 b. 1946, Hulin, Heilongjiang Province b. 1944, Beijing
Lives and works in Beijing Lives and works in Beijing

1967 1969 1970 Sun Weimin graduated in 1967 from a high school affiliated Wang Huaiqing graduated from the Central Academy of Art
with the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and remained there and Design with a Bachelor’s degree in 1969. In 1970, he was
1984 1987 1971
as a teacher. In 1984, Sun entered the oil painting masters sent to work in the countryside in Hebei with his classmates.
1979 programme at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, In 1971, he was allocated to the General Political Department
1981 1980
and obtained his degree in 1987. He is currently a Professor of the People’s Liberation Army Art Troupe, and worked as a
and Studio Director at the Academy in the Department of stage designer. In 1979, Wang enrolled for a Masters degree
1984 Oil Painting. Other positions held include Vice Chairman at at the Central Academy of Art and Design, graduating in
1984 the Beijing Artists Association, Director of Beijing Oil Painting 1981. He was part of the Of the Same Generation Exhibition
Commission and Managing Director of the China Institute of in the Beijing National Art Museum of China in 1980. He is
1997 2004 10 1988 1998
Oil Painting. Major works include the painting Twelfth Lunar best known for a series of paintings depicting deconstructed
5000 Month, which won the bronze medal in the 6th National Art furniture and architecture, which draw on ancient Chinese
1980 Exhibition in 1984 and Late Autumn, which was shown in the calligraphy as well as Cubist painting. Wang returned to
Asian Art Show in Japan the same year. Noon was exhibited Beijing from America in 1988. In 1998, his work was shown as
2010-2011 in the 1997 Venice Biennale, whilst Farm in October featured part of the exhibition China 5000 Years at the Guggenheim
in the 10th National Art Exhibition in 2004. Sun Weimin was Museum in New York. His work has been exhibited widely,
not a Stars artist, but a friend of Huang Rui’s who participated including at the Shanghai Biennale, the National Museum of
in the Of the Same Generation Exhibition in Beijing in 1980. China, and the Seattle Art Museum (for the solo show Wang
Huaiqing: A Painter's Painter in Contemporary China in 2010-
2011).Wang Huaiqing was not a Stars artist, but a friend of
Huang Rui.

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Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Yan Li Yuan Yunsheng

1954 1937 b. 1954, Beijing b. 1937, Nangtong, Jiangsu Province
Lives and works in Shanghai and New York Lives and works in Beijing

1973 1979 7 1955 1956 Avant-garde poet, novelist and artist Yan Li started writing Yuan Yunsheng began to study painting in 1955 at the Central
poetry in 1973, and began painting in July 1979. He was Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. During the Hundred Flowers
1957
involved in the publication of the unofficial journal Today. Yan Period in 1956-7, Yuan was impelled to draw on a Post-
20 70 1957 was a major member of the Today school which influenced Impressionist mode of painting in opposition to the Socialist
Chinese poetry in the 1970s, and was a dominant force in Realism taught at the Academy. In 1957, along with others
the Misty Poetry movement, subverting social realism by who had similarly expressed themselves, he was sent to a
1984 6 1962 1979 relying more on emotive and personal imagery. In June 1984, labour camp. He was able to return to the Academy after two
1985 1987 1982 Yan had his first solo exhibition at the Exhibition Hall of the years, and graduated in 1962. In 1979, Yuan worked on a mural
People’s Park in Shanghai. Precipitated by his studies there in painting at Beijing Capital Airport, and became a Professor
· ·
1985, he moved to New York and started the magazine First in the Mural Painting Department of the Central Academy of
1985 2002 1983 Line in 1987, collecting together the writings of contemporary Art and Design. Upon invitation from the US government in
+ + = 1985 1987
Chinese poets and translating American poetry. Yan’s writings 1982, Yuan was a visiting lecturer at Harvard and some other
have been translated into several languages. From 1985- universities; at this time he visited De Kooning, Rauschenberg
1987 2002, Yan Li participated in solo and group exhibitions in and George Segal. The following year, he was invited to create
1996 France, England, America, Japan, Sweden, China, Hong Kong a mural entitled Two Ancient Chinese Tales – Blue + Red +
and Taiwan. His work has been collected by Fukuoka Museum Yellow = White? in the library at Tufts University in Boston. From
of Modern Art, Japan and Shanghai Art Museum. Huang Rui 1985-1987, Yuan taught drawing and gave lectures at Harvard;
invited Yan Li to participate in two Stars exhibitions. in 1987, he had a solo exhibition in New York’s Soho District,
followed by shows in L.A, New York, Amsterdam, Taipei and
Beijing. Yuan was invited back to China in 1996, during which
year his mural Fable for Mankind was unveiled at Harvard
University. Yuan was already a well-known artist by the time of
the Stars; he was good friends with Stars artist Qu Leilei.

210 211
Part IV / Artists' Biographies

Zhong Acheng
1949 b. 1949, Beijing
Lives and works in Beijing

Zhong Acheng, also known as Ah Cheng, is a self-taught

novelist, screenwriter and painter. During the Cultural
Revolution, he was sent to work in Shanxi Province, where he
1979 began painting. He was then transferred to Inner Mongolia to
20 80
depict the grasslands, and lived for a time in Yunnan before
returning to Beijing in 1979. There, Zhong worked at the China
National Publications Import & Export Corporation and as
1984 an Editor for World Books. He rose to prominence during the
1980s as a member of the Seeking Roots literary movement,
1983 1984
alongside writers such as Mo Yan; his prose has been
1992 influenced by both classical Chinese and Western literature.
In 1984, his first novel King of Chess attracted nationwide
attention, winning the national Prize for Excellence in 1983-
1984. Later, Zhong wrote the novels King of Trees and King
of Children, thus completing a trilogy of novels. In 1992, he
received the Italian Nonino International Prize for his literary
achievements. Huang Rui met Zhong through Bei Dao during
the publication of Today journal; Zhong then participated in
both Stars exhibitions.

212 213
2013 Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery

Copyright © 2013 belongs to Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery and Huang Rui.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Iona Whittaker

Iona Whittaker

Iona Whittaker

Commissioned by Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery

Production: Thinking Hands
Editor: Iona Whittaker
Editorial Coordination: Lu Wanwan
Research: Iona Whittaker, Huang Rui, Lu Wanwan
Translation: Lu Wanwan
Design: Huang Rui, Wang Changqing, Cheng Yan, Mao Ran
Copy Editing: Iona Whittaker, Lu Wanwan, Li Yanhua
Research Assistance: Chen Yujian, Tian Manling, Zhang Mingmin

Hadrien de Montferrand
4 798 100015
+ 86 139 1165 1353
h@hdemontferrand.com

Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery

Address: 798 Art District, No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100015
+ 86 139 1165 1353
h@hdemontferrand.com

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