Li Jiwei: Contemporary Art Is A Life Attitude | Jointly Exploring the Attributes of New Works on 'Location'

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On December 6th, the opening ceremony of the space exploration experimental project"POSITION - Li Jiwei", hosted by the Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum, was held as scheduled. "POSITION" is not only an experimental art of concepts and behaviors, but also a way for the artist Li Jiwei to engage in dialogue with the museum's spatial environment.


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The guests attending the opening ceremony included: Bernd Malold, Counselor of the Embassy of Germany in China, and his husband Claus Malold; Katharina Wernauer, Counselor of the Embassy of Austria in China; Jin Jun, Director of CAFA Art Museum; Wang Chuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange; Gao Yang, Deputy Dean of the School of Urban Design; Gao Gao, Deputy Director of the Museum; artist Li Jiwei, as well as artists, researchers, and curators active in the contemporary art field. Yi Yue, Deputy Director of the Research and Planning Department of CAFA Art Museum, served as the host.


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Opening ceremony site

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Gao Gao, Deputy Director of cafa Art Museum


Gao Gao, Deputy Curator of the CAFA Art Museum, stated in her speech that this project marks the second collaboration between the CAFA Art Museum and artist Li Jiwei. As Hai Jun, curator and Deputy Curator of the Art Museum of CAFA, emphasized in the preface, Li Jiwei’s works this time constitute an "effective intervention" in the museum’s space—they not only create new spatial relationships and artistic fields but also stimulate the "productivity of the entire space" of the museum. The process of audiences wandering through the museum and "encountering" the works by chance is the key to participating in and experiencing this new type of relationship. The distinct colors and spatial treatment of the works will inject fresh vitality into the overall visual atmosphere of the museum and activate the perceptual potential of the venue. 


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Bettina Mallold, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in China, delivered a speech


Bettina Mallold, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in China, recalled her first encounter with Li Jiwei in her speech, which gave her a deeper understanding and respect for China’s vibrant artistic field. She emphasized that in the forms, colors and materials of the chairs exhibited this time, she saw the continuity of Li Jiwei’s early works, which confirms his artistic philosophy and his ability to create works that resonate deeply with installation art. "Position" is not only a work of art, but also an interdisciplinary installation that touches on humanity’s basic need for freedom and the right to have a place in the world, prompting audiences to reflect on their own positions in both concrete and abstract senses.


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Gao Yang, Vice Dean of the School of City Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts , delivered a speech


Gao Yang, Vice Dean of the School of City Design at the Central Academy of Fine Arts , expressed twofold surprises in his speech: first, meeting Mr. Li Jiwei—whom he had long heard of—in person for the first time; second, discovering that Li Jiwei’s installation works have constructed a new relationship between artwork and product in the museum space, building a bridge between life and art through a unique display method. He specifically mentioned that through the ingenious arrangement and color application in different spaces, the works endow every corner with implicit layering and invite audiences to experience such surprises through their own exploration.


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Artist Li Jiwei delivered a speech


Artist Li Jiwei expressed his gratitude to the project team of CAFA Art Museum for their efforts throughout the entire process of "Position" from planning to the implementation of details, as well as to all distinguished guests present, including representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in China and the Embassy of Austria in China. Regarding his artistic views, Li Jiwei holds that contemporary art is a life attitude, which is not only about visual forms but also about concepts and ideas; after a work is exhibited, it should leave room for audiences to interpret freely rather than convey a certain absolute answer. Chairs have served as the carrier of his long-term exploration—from production thirty years ago and design twenty years ago to the current expression through painting—continuously reflecting his thinking on forms and media. As for the theme of this project, "Position", he has attempted to find a spatial attribute of "between presence and absence" for art, but also frankly stated that art does not require excessive interpretation, inviting audiences to experience the exhibition on their own.


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Jin Jun, Director of CAFA Art Museum, delivered a concluding speech and lit up the opening installation


Jin Jun, Director of the Art Museum of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), delivered a concluding speech and lit up the opening installation on behalf of the museum. He emphasized that this project combines a new form of artwork with the museum space, aiming to let the works find their "new positions", and expressed the expectation that audiences can stimulate more imagination in this environment and discover new positions and relationships.


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Exhibition site

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Yi Yue, Deputy Director of the Curatorial and Research Department of CAFA Art Museum, served as the host

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Group photo of distinguished guests

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visiting site


"Position" has created a field for the art museum to re-examine thoughts and emotions, and we expect these wonderful works of art to bring audiences a brand-new exhibition experience.


This exhibition will run until February 2026.


Selected exhibited works


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Acrylic , 63 x 87 x 125cm

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Acrylic , 63 x 87 x 125cm

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Acrylic , 63 x 87 x 125cm

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Acrylic , 63 x 87 x 125cm


About the Artist


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Li Jiwei


1980-1984: Studied at the Department of Chinese Painting, Central Academy of Fine Arts, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree;

1984-1988: Taught at the Department of Fine Arts, Beijing Film Academy; 1990-1993: Studied in Professor Markus Prachensky’s "Master Class of Abstract Painting" at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Austria, and was awarded the "Fugger" Gold Medal and a Master of Arts degree; 1994: Joined the Austrian Association of Professional Artists; 1999-2001: Studied Multimedia at the University of the Arts Berlin, Germany; Since 1996: Has lived and worked in Berlin and Beijing. Recent Exhibitions: Group exhibition "Sharks and Humans" at the National Museum of China, Beijing; Group exhibition "Sharks and Humans" at the Parkview Museum Singapore, Singapore; Group exhibition "Sharks and Humans" at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Australia; Solo exhibition "Mozart - Gene" at CAFA Art Museum, Beijing; Group exhibition "Unfettered Vistas: Works by Chinese Artists Based in Germany" at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, West Bund Art Museum in Qingdao, and Changzhou Art Museum; Solo exhibition "Detour" at the Parkview Green Art Gallery, Beijing; etc.


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POSITION


Exhibition Dates: December 6, 2025 - February 2026

Exhibition Venue: 1st Floor Exhibition Hall, CAFA Art Museum


Organizer: Art Museum of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA)


Exhibition Planning: Jin Jun, Han Wenchao, Gao Gao

Curator: Hai Jun

Exhibition Execution: Jing Peng, Zhang Ying, Feng Qinan

Media Promotion: He Yisha, Wu Jing, He Yifei, Du Yinzhu, Ding Yi

Production: Sumei



主编 / 何一沙

责编  / 杜隐珠

现场图 / 贺伊飞 张书豪

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This event was organized on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and voluntary participation and withdrawal. Participants undertake all risk and liability for themselves. All events have risks, and participants must be aware of the risks related to their chosen event.

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Event participants should be adults (people 18 years or older with full civil legal capacity). Underage persons must be accompanied by an adult.

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Event participants undertake all liability for their personal safety during the event, and event participants are encouraged to purchase personal safety insurance. Should an accident occur during an event, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for the accident, but both have the obligation to provide assistance. Event participants should actively organize and implement rescue efforts, but do not undertake any legal or economic liability for the accident itself. The museum does not undertake civil or joint liability for the personal safety of event participants.

Article V

During the event, event participants should respect the order of the museum event and ensure the safety of the museum site, the artworks in displays, exhibitions, and collections, and the derived products. If an event causes any degree of loss or damage to the museum site, space, artworks, or derived products due to an individual, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for losses. The event participant must negotiate and provide compensation according to the relevant legal statutes and museum rules. The museum may sue for legal and financial liability.

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Event participants will participate in the event under the guidance of museum staff and event leaders or instructors and must correctly use the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities provided for the event. If a participant causes injury or harm to him/herself or others while using the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, or causes the damage or destruction of the tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, the event participant must undertake all related liability and provide compensation for the financial losses. Persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for personal accidents.

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According to The Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, The General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and The Provisional Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Some Issues Related to the Full Implementation of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B have arrived at the following agreement regarding the use of works bearing Party A’s image in order to clarify the rights and obligations of the portrait licenser (Party A) and the user (Party B):

I. General Provisions

(1) Party A is the portraiture rights holder in this agreement. Party A voluntarily licenses its portraiture rights to Party B for the purposes stipulated in this agreement and permitted by law.

(2) Party B (CAFA Art Museum) is a specialized, international modern art museum. CAFA Art Museum keeps pace with the times, and works to create an open, free, and academic space and atmosphere for positive interaction with groups, corporations, institutions, artists, and visitors. With CAFA’s academic research as a foundation, the museum plans multi-disciplinary exhibitions, conferences, and public education events with participants from around the world, providing a platform for exchange, learning, and exhibition for CAFA’s students and instructors, artists from around the world, and the general public. As a public institution, the primary purposes of CAFA Art Museum’s public education events are academic and beneficial to society.

(3) Party B will photograph all CAFA Public Education Department events for Party A.

II. Content, Forms of Use, and Geographical Scope of Use

(1) Content. The content of images taken by Party B bearing Party A’s likeness include: ① CAFA Art Museum ② CAFA campus ③ All events planned or executed by the CAFAM Public Education Department.

(2) Forms of Use. For use in CAFA’s publications, products with CDs, and promotional materials.

(3) Geographical Scope of Use

The applicable geographic scope is global.

The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).

III. Term of Portraiture Rights Use

Use in perpetuity.

IV. Licensing Fees

The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.

After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.

Additional Terms

(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.

(2) This agreement comes into effect on the date that it is signed (sealed) and the relevant boxes are selected by Party A and Party B.

(3) This agreement exists in paper and electronic forms. The paper form is made in duplicate, with Party A and Party B each retaining one copy with the same legal efficacy.

Event participants implicitly accept and undertake all the obligations stated in this agreement. Those who do not consent will be seen as abandoning the right to participate in this event. Before participating in this event, please speak to your family members to obtain their consent and inform them of this disclaimer. After participants sign/check the required box, participants and their families will be seen as having read and agreed to these terms.

I have carefully read and agree to the above provisions.

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CAFA Art Museum Publication Authorization Agreement

I fully agree to CAFA Art Museum (CAFAM) submitting to CAFA for publication the images, pictures, texts, writings, and event products (such as works created during participation in workshops) related to me from my participation in public events (including museum member events) organized by the CAFA Art Museum Public Education Department. CAFA can publish these materials by electronic, web, or other digital means, and I hereby agree to be included in the China Knowledge Resource Bank, the CAFA Database, the CAFA Art Museum Database, and related data, documentation, and filing institutions and platforms. Regarding their use in CAFA and dissemination on the internet, I agree to make use of these rights according to the stated Rules.

CAFA Art Museum Event Safety Disclaimer

Article I

This event was organized on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and voluntary participation and withdrawal. Participants undertake all risk and liability for themselves. All events have risks, and participants must be aware of the risks related to their chosen event.

Article II

Event participants must abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, as well as moral and ethical norms. All participants must demonstrate good character, respect for others, friendship, and a willingness to help others.

Article III

Event participants should be adults (people 18 years or older with full civil legal capacity). Underage persons must be accompanied by an adult.

Article IV

Event participants undertake all liability for their personal safety during the event, and event participants are encouraged to purchase personal safety insurance. Should an accident occur during an event, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for the accident, but both have the obligation to provide assistance. Event participants should actively organize and implement rescue efforts, but do not undertake any legal or economic liability for the accident itself. The museum does not undertake civil or joint liability for the personal safety of event participants.

Article V

During the event, event participants should respect the order of the museum event and ensure the safety of the museum site, the artworks in displays, exhibitions, and collections, and the derived products. If an event causes any degree of loss or damage to the museum site, space, artworks, or derived products due to an individual, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for losses. The event participant must negotiate and provide compensation according to the relevant legal statutes and museum rules. The museum may sue for legal and financial liability.

Article VI

Event participants will participate in the event under the guidance of museum staff and event leaders or instructors and must correctly use the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities provided for the event. If a participant causes injury or harm to him/herself or others while using the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, or causes the damage or destruction of the tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, the event participant must undertake all related liability and provide compensation for the financial losses. Persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for personal accidents.

CAFA Art Museum Portraiture Rights Licensing Agreement

According to The Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, The General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and The Provisional Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Some Issues Related to the Full Implementation of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B have arrived at the following agreement regarding the use of works bearing Party A’s image in order to clarify the rights and obligations of the portrait licenser (Party A) and the user (Party B):

I. General Provisions

(1) Party A is the portraiture rights holder in this agreement. Party A voluntarily licenses its portraiture rights to Party B for the purposes stipulated in this agreement and permitted by law.

(2) Party B (CAFA Art Museum) is a specialized, international modern art museum. CAFA Art Museum keeps pace with the times, and works to create an open, free, and academic space and atmosphere for positive interaction with groups, corporations, institutions, artists, and visitors. With CAFA’s academic research as a foundation, the museum plans multi-disciplinary exhibitions, conferences, and public education events with participants from around the world, providing a platform for exchange, learning, and exhibition for CAFA’s students and instructors, artists from around the world, and the general public. As a public institution, the primary purposes of CAFA Art Museum’s public education events are academic and beneficial to society.

(3) Party B will photograph all CAFA Public Education Department events for Party A.

II. Content, Forms of Use, and Geographical Scope of Use

(1) Content. The content of images taken by Party B bearing Party A’s likeness include: ① CAFA Art Museum ② CAFA campus ③ All events planned or executed by the CAFAM Public Education Department.

(2) Forms of Use. For use in CAFA’s publications, products with CDs, and promotional materials.

(3) Geographical Scope of Use

The applicable geographic scope is global.

The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).

III. Term of Portraiture Rights Use

Use in perpetuity.

IV. Licensing Fees

The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.

After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.

Additional Terms

(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.

(2) This agreement comes into effect on the date that it is signed (sealed) and the relevant boxes are selected by Party A and Party B.

(3) This agreement exists in paper and electronic forms. The paper form is made in duplicate, with Party A and Party B each retaining one copy with the same legal efficacy.

Event participants implicitly accept and undertake all the obligations stated in this agreement. Those who do not consent will be seen as abandoning the right to participate in this event. Before participating in this event, please speak to your family members to obtain their consent and inform them of this disclaimer. After participants sign/check the required box, participants and their families will be seen as having read and agreed to these terms.

I have carefully read and agree to the above provisions.

Group Visit Agreement
and Statement

CAFA Art Museum Publication Authorization Agreement

I fully agree to CAFA Art Museum (CAFAM) submitting to CAFA for publication the images, pictures, texts, writings, and event products (such as works created during participation in workshops) related to me from my participation in public events (including museum member events) organized by the CAFA Art Museum Public Education Department. CAFA can publish these materials by electronic, web, or other digital means, and I hereby agree to be included in the China Knowledge Resource Bank, the CAFA Database, the CAFA Art Museum Database, and related data, documentation, and filing institutions and platforms. Regarding their use in CAFA and dissemination on the internet, I agree to make use of these rights according to the stated Rules.

CAFA Art Museum Event Safety Disclaimer

Article I

This event was organized on the principles of fairness, impartiality, and voluntary participation and withdrawal. Participants undertake all risk and liability for themselves. All events have risks, and participants must be aware of the risks related to their chosen event.

Article II

Event participants must abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, as well as moral and ethical norms. All participants must demonstrate good character, respect for others, friendship, and a willingness to help others.

Article III

Event participants should be adults (people 18 years or older with full civil legal capacity). Underage persons must be accompanied by an adult.

Article IV

Event participants undertake all liability for their personal safety during the event, and event participants are encouraged to purchase personal safety insurance. Should an accident occur during an event, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for the accident, but both have the obligation to provide assistance. Event participants should actively organize and implement rescue efforts, but do not undertake any legal or economic liability for the accident itself. The museum does not undertake civil or joint liability for the personal safety of event participants.

Article V

During the event, event participants should respect the order of the museum event and ensure the safety of the museum site, the artworks in displays, exhibitions, and collections, and the derived products. If an event causes any degree of loss or damage to the museum site, space, artworks, or derived products due to an individual, persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for losses. The event participant must negotiate and provide compensation according to the relevant legal statutes and museum rules. The museum may sue for legal and financial liability.

Article VI

Event participants will participate in the event under the guidance of museum staff and event leaders or instructors and must correctly use the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities provided for the event. If a participant causes injury or harm to him/herself or others while using the painting tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, or causes the damage or destruction of the tools, materials, equipment, and/or facilities, the event participant must undertake all related liability and provide compensation for the financial losses. Persons not involved in the accident and the museum do not undertake any liability for personal accidents.

CAFA Art Museum Portraiture Rights Licensing Agreement

According to The Advertising Law of the People’s Republic of China, The General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and The Provisional Opinions of the Supreme People’s Court on Some Issues Related to the Full Implementation of the General Principles of the Civil Law of the People’s Republic of China, and upon friendly negotiation, Party A and Party B have arrived at the following agreement regarding the use of works bearing Party A’s image in order to clarify the rights and obligations of the portrait licenser (Party A) and the user (Party B):

I. General Provisions

(1) Party A is the portraiture rights holder in this agreement. Party A voluntarily licenses its portraiture rights to Party B for the purposes stipulated in this agreement and permitted by law.

(2) Party B (CAFA Art Museum) is a specialized, international modern art museum. CAFA Art Museum keeps pace with the times, and works to create an open, free, and academic space and atmosphere for positive interaction with groups, corporations, institutions, artists, and visitors. With CAFA’s academic research as a foundation, the museum plans multi-disciplinary exhibitions, conferences, and public education events with participants from around the world, providing a platform for exchange, learning, and exhibition for CAFA’s students and instructors, artists from around the world, and the general public. As a public institution, the primary purposes of CAFA Art Museum’s public education events are academic and beneficial to society.

(3) Party B will photograph all CAFA Public Education Department events for Party A.

II. Content, Forms of Use, and Geographical Scope of Use

(1) Content. The content of images taken by Party B bearing Party A’s likeness include: ① CAFA Art Museum ② CAFA campus ③ All events planned or executed by the CAFAM Public Education Department.

(2) Forms of Use. For use in CAFA’s publications, products with CDs, and promotional materials.

(3) Geographical Scope of Use

The applicable geographic scope is global.

The media in which the portraiture may be used encompasses any media that does not infringe upon Party A’s portraiture rights (e.g., magazines and the internet).

III. Term of Portraiture Rights Use

Use in perpetuity.

IV. Licensing Fees

The fees for images bearing Party A’s likeness will be undertaken by Party B.

After completion, Party B does not need to pay any fees to Party A for images bearing Party A’s likeness.

Additional Terms

(1) All matters not discussed in this agreement shall be resolved through friendly negotiation between both parties. Both parties may then sign a supplementary agreement, provided it does not violate any laws or regulations.

(2) This agreement comes into effect on the date that it is signed (sealed) and the relevant boxes are selected by Party A and Party B.

(3) This agreement exists in paper and electronic forms. The paper form is made in duplicate, with Party A and Party B each retaining one copy with the same legal efficacy.

Event participants implicitly accept and undertake all the obligations stated in this agreement. Those who do not consent will be seen as abandoning the right to participate in this event. Before participating in this event, please speak to your family members to obtain their consent and inform them of this disclaimer. After participants sign/check the required box, participants and their families will be seen as having read and agreed to these terms.

I have carefully read and agree to the above provisions.

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