Contemporary Chinese art has played a significant role in contributing to art globalisation; meanwhile, the trajectory of modernisation of art in China has not been rendered explicitly. This book aims to explore the context of Chinese art from the 20th to the 21st century, from three aspects: society, the individual and art forms. It is hoped to inject new vitality into the current obscure art historiography. The complicated issue regarding how to position globalisation and national identity is well discussed throughout the book, addressing the hardcore research questions in the field. This research selects the nine most representative artists: Lin Fengmian, Wu Dayu, Sanyu, Zao Wou-ki, Wu Guanzhong, Su Tianci, Wang Jieyin, Zhang Enli and Chen Yujun.

Dr Joshua Gong is a leading expert on contemporary Chinese art and works at Shanghai Normal University. He taught at the University of Sussex from 2010 to 2018. Recently he published two monologues Hsiao Chin and Punto: Mapping Post-War Avant-Garde (London: Unicorn) and Challenging Leonardo da Vinci, An Alternative Art History (Beijing: CITIC Press).