The University of Melbourne’s Buxton Contemporary has unveiled a major new exhibition tracing the rise of conceptual art in China, with Poetry goes no further than language now open to the public.
Running until 3 October 2026, the exhibition brings a defining yet rarely explored chapter of Chinese contemporary art to Australia for the first time. Focusing on the mid-1980s and early 1990s, the exhibition examines how artists began experimenting with language, systems and chance as artistic tools during a transformative cultural period in China.
The exhibition features works by the Beijing-based New Measurement Group and Shanghai artist Qian Weikang, alongside a newly commissioned installation by Victorian College of the Arts graduate Darcey Bella Arnold. Arnold’s contribution responds to the historical works through a series of text-based paintings and sculptural forms.
Curated by Dr Carol Yinghua Lu, Director of Beijing’s Inside-Out Art Museum, and artist Liu Ding, the project builds on an ongoing research initiative revisiting the formation of modern and contemporary Chinese art history. It also marks a return to the University of Melbourne for Dr Lu, who completed her PhD there.
“This exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to encounter works that were previously inaccessible, lost or little known outside specialist circles, and to engage with the intellectual and conceptual foundations of Chinese contemporary art,” Dr Lu said.
“In an era of globalisation that can level out local and regional differences, we insist on the specificity and complexity of local art histories, and on the understanding that without access to this deeper history, we risk a superficial encounter with Chinese contemporary art.”
Charlotte Day, Director of Art Museums at the University of Melbourne, said the exhibition reflects Buxton Contemporary’s focus on globally engaged and research-led programming.
“We are delighted to welcome Liu and Carol to Buxton Contemporary for this exhibition,” Ms Day said.
“These connections reflect our commitment to programming that grows out of the ideas and cultural community of the University.”
Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), said the exhibition highlighted the University’s longstanding relationship with China through research, education and cultural exchange.
Poetry goes no further than language is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm and will also feature talks, research activities and special events throughout its season. Read more and plan your visit.
