Discovering and revealing the historical significance of contemporary artists' entire artistic practice constitutes the core social value of He Art Museum. In my view, an artist's historical significance largely hinges on whether their artistic ideas and actions profoundly provoke conceptual clashes regarding the relationship between the individual and the era. It was precisely based on this conviction that eight years ago, we presented “An Art History of One Person” at Beijing Minsheng Art Museum—a solo exhibition systematically showcasing Fang Lijun's artistic philosophy and achievements. Though merely one of countless solo exhibitions Fang has held domestically and internationally, the attention garnered by this show revealed the cultural resonance inherent in such an academic perspective. Consequently, we have continually sought opportunities to sustain this narrative approach.

We believe the best way to showcase Fang Lijun's artistic achievements is to explore the powerful sense of era conveyed by his visual artworks as a whole, along with the vivid visual testimony they offer to the evolution of the times. Indeed, Fang Lijun's works are not straightforward historical records or simplistic illustrations. Instead, they deeply embed the artist's perception of an era's atmosphere, warmth, and pulse, along with his observations of the spiritual states of ordinary people—their exhilaration, pain, confusion, and even the complex expressions of those struggling against fate—into diverse forms of art. Together, they form an extraordinary “testimony of the times.”

Last year, United Art Museum decided to launch a series of major documentary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists, and naturally included Mr. Fang Lijun in the first group of artists. While we sought new conceptual themes, after careful deliberation, the curatorial team concluded that “Art History of Fang Lijun I” was the most fitting theme. This exhibition fulfills our shared aspiration—to extend the cultural legacy of the 2017 exhibitions at Beijing Minsheng Art Museum.

Once again entering Fang Lijun's artistic world, we aim to construct a broader temporal and spatial perspective for our audience. Our narrative unfolds from Fang Lijun's cultural roots in art, highlighting the journey from Wangfujing to the Old Summer Palace, from the Old Summer Palace to Songzhuang, and from Songzhuang to the entire world. This approach emphasizes both the conditions that fostered the artist's significant creative achievements and the crucial social landmarks in the development of Chinese contemporary art. Undoubtedly, one defining characteristic of Chinese contemporary art is its intimate connection to contemporary social life, particularly societal transformations. In my view, the most crucial criterion for assessing an artist's achievements lies in the manner and historical scope of their social impact. We have cataloged the representative exhibitions of Mr. Fang Lijun held by major art museums and galleries both domestically and internationally, as well as his significant collections in authoritative art institutions. We have also documented the on-site presence of various art activities initiated or supported by Mr. Fang Lijun, including his contributions to diverse approaches in Chinese art education...

Once again stepping into Fang Lijun's artistic realm, we must still focus on those “bald heads” with their varied expressions and forms. In my view, the “bald head” figures Fang sculpts are a cultural microcosm of an era—the true spiritual essence that survived the historical torrent of great upheaval, having overcome civilization's disguises and hidden behind the masks of familiar identities. What merits deeper reflection is how these figures, over thirty years ago, burst onto the art world's stage with an unprecedented blend of playful satire and ambiguous cultural expression. They instantly struck a nerve deep within the collective psyche of an era of upheaval—yawning, grinned foolishly, or gazed expressionlessly into the distance. With a humor that felt utterly out of place, they bore witness to the persistence, bewilderment, and self-mockery of a generation navigating ideological liberation, social transformation, and the reconstruction of values. It must be acknowledged that this constitutes crucial visual “evidence” of the shifting social psyche of the Chinese people during a period of profound societal transition.

This exhibition, which primarily relies on “documentary evidence,” aims to present the process of this ‘testimony’ to the audience without reservation. If “An Individual's Art History I” was a feast of works, then “II” is more like an intellectual pilgrimage—where yellowed sketches, unfinished manuscripts, enigmatic inspiration notes, vibrant exhibition posters, countless publications, and images of art events collectively form the drafts of this “witness.” They reveal how iconic images emerged from a spark of inspiration, a moment of insight, or an emotional resonance, ultimately crystallizing into symbols of their era.

The cultural significance of “witnessing” extends far beyond mere documentation. Fang Lijun transforms personal life experiences into reflections on the social psychology of a period of great upheaval; extending from the empathy for individual suffering to compassion for humanity's myriad contradictions, conflicts, and misfortunes... This forms profound contemplation on eternal spiritual paradoxes—survival versus deprivation, hope versus disillusionment, resilience versus fragility, nourishment versus consumption, joy versus struggle. What he “witnesses” is not specific individuals or social events, but rather certain ineffable facets and hidden dimensions of the Chinese collective psyche during a period of social transformation—that sense of drifting in search of spiritual anchorage amid immense uncertainty, and the intense yearning for the free and comprehensive development of the human spirit amidst the constraints of various adversities.

Perhaps this is a mirror reflecting the shared past of a generation, a cultural coordinate for understanding social progress from the present moment, and a cultural declaration left for an uncertain future—one that envisions the harmonious coexistence of ecological environments, individual lives, and social ideals.