At the turn of the century, a group of conceptual photography and video works emerged in China, expressing artists’ beautiful longings and utopian visions for globalization and the potential changes it could bring. Around the same time, due to the popularity of computers and the Internet, artists gradually began to use new photography and video technologies, especially Photoshop software, which greatly expanded their understanding and practice of photography, video, and images. These exhibits are part of it. They are not only a portrayal of the collective emotions of this special historical moment, but also an important witness to the revolution of technological media.
Twenty years later, photography and imaging technology have undergone multiple iterations and replacements, and globalization has entered a historical stage. Looking back at these conceptual works with “rough” technology yet strong characteristics of the times, we are certainly impressed by the profound impact of technological media on contemporary art. However, the long-lost “optimistic” mood and “comedic” feeling seem to be more worthy of our contemplation and reflection.