The Bishan Commune and the Practice of Socially Engaged Art in Rural China

This book explores socially engaged art projects in the Chinese countryside, focusing on the Bishan Commune, founded in 2011 based on anarchist Peter Kropotkin's idea of mutual aid. It examines how an anarchist utopia unfolds in the context of rural China's political, social, and historical landscape.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the realm of socially engaged art projects in the picturesque Chinese countryside, exploring the lives of the artists and intellectuals who embark on these ventures, the villagers they encounter, and the local authorities they engage with during their endeavors. In recent years, a growing number of urban artists have ventured into the countryside, driven by a desire to revitalize rural regions often perceived as facing crises. This book offers a unique perspective through the lens of the Bishan Commune. In 2010, Ou Ning, an artist and visionary, penned a remarkable notebook titled "Bishan Commune: How to Start Your Own Utopia." This notebook presents a utopian vision of life, inspired by the anarchist Peter Kropotkin's concept of mutual aid. In 2011, the Bishan Commune was established in the picturesque Bishan Village in Anhui Province, bringing this visionary idea to life.

The central theme of this book revolves around the unfolding of an anarchist, utopian community within the backdrop of the political, social, and historical landscape of rural China. More specifically, it delves into the question of how one can initiate their own utopia in the Chinese countryside. Through vivid narratives and insightful observations, the book sheds light on the challenges and rewards of creating a sustainable and inclusive community in a rural setting. It explores the complexities of navigating cultural differences, building trust, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

The artists and intellectuals involved in these projects bring their unique perspectives and artistic practices to the countryside, engaging with the local communities and fostering a sense of cultural exchange. They collaborate with the villagers, sharing their knowledge, skills, and resources to create meaningful and transformative projects that address social, environmental, and economic issues. The local authorities, too, play a crucial role in facilitating these interactions, often facing challenges in balancing the interests of the community and the demands of development.

The book also delves into the broader social and political context of rural China, examining the historical legacies, economic disparities, and cultural transformations that shape the landscape. It raises important questions about the role of art in social change, the potential for grassroots initiatives to bring about transformative outcomes, and the challenges of sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.

Overall, "Bishan Commune: How to Start Your Own Utopia" is a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of the intersection of art, community, and social change in the Chinese countryside. It offers a glimpse into the potential for creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious society, and serves as a testament to the power of human creativity and collaboration.

Weight: 325g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811557972
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020