The Today Museum opened in November 7th 2006 in Chaoyang District of Beijing China This museum is located in this Chaoyang district which is an area for urban development. An opening reception, in the front garden, was held and art related people from Europe and China gathered in this lively event.

　　The opening of the Today Museum was kicked off by a solo exhibition “FANG LIJUN TODAY” by artist Fang Lijun who has gained popularity for his work world-wide Visitors to the

　　exhibition were surprised to see a large scale work inside the first grand exhibition room. This painting which first started in 2004, is 4 x 35 m long.

　　I had a chance to meet this artist the day before the Opening. He was busy making preparations for the exhibition. He gave me a tour of the exhibition rooms where his paintings were laid out and ready to be hanged. Oil painting, 3-D works, and prints will comprise the exhibition and one can get a sense of his vast talent. I was fortunate to be able to interview him during his busy installation.

　　——I was surprised to see the huge painting in the first room of the exhibition space. Is this work a compilation of ideas into a single work?

　　Fang Lijun：It was lust completed and took me three years to finish Basically, what I was trying to achieve was to express humans and their condition of existence. Moreover the basis of the work is to express China’s history over the decades and also the changes of the people and their lifestyle during these times I wanted to leave a mark for myself as a painter that is why I started this work. It is fair to say that this work is a compilation of all my ideas.

　　——In this painting, there are countless faces. Are you trying to criticize a society where there is no individuality?

　　Fang Lijun：Not criticize but to express something that one can do nothing about. When I started this work, I was going to title it “Barren Close/Barren Left” but I decided not to use it.

　　——How come?

　　Fang Lijun：If I we re to use that title, it would only cover a single point and limits the viewer to think of other possibilities

　　——Many Chinese artists work abroad .Why didn’t you choose that way?

　　Fang Lijun：In the last few decades major changes have been made in China whether good or bad. As a Chinese person who lives in China, it is my fate and a responsibility to society I have a responsibility as an artist to express my views through art. In China there were many happenings so that I was able to experience something that possibly could not have be seen or felt in other times. I thought I was lucky to be able to experience this. Everything happening in China was ours.

　　——Ten years ago, you had a solo exhibition in Japan. Since then, how is your relationship between Japan?

　　Fang Lijun：Until a couple of years ago.I had some cultural relations with Japan but lately, it has decreased. China and Japan have similarities with culture. The difference between eastern and western culture is that when something happens in the west like a sting from ant, it bothers them. However, when something Iike this happens in the east, it naturally becomes a part of them. I am familiar with Japanese art such as ukiyoe and Kaii Higasiyama through exhibitions in China but are now eliminated.

　　——Could you tell me how you became a painter?

　　Fang Lijun：It’s a long story but I learned how to draw as a Child. At that time drawings or paintings were related to political activity. I learned how to lay the text in the drawing in order to criticize politicians. A few years later, I was told that Russian art is the best and I learned a lot from my teachers. After entering art school, I learned how to paint on ceramics which is a traditional Chinese technique. Even now, I can make ceramics from scratch. At this time, I began taking an interest in 3-D works. After studying this for 3 years, I learned printmaking. After graduating from art school, I entered a commercial advertising firm. On large scale Billboards, I designed and painted on them for the company. From this experience, I am able to paint large scale works.

　　——In this exhibition there are quite a few 3-D works, it is interesting to see many ceramics.

　　Fang Lijun：I always have many ideas. When I have an idea for a project, I am always thinking of what material or way of expression such as via sculpture, painting or prints.

　　——What kind of plans do you have for the future?

　　Fang Lijun：During one’s life one encounters things unknown. I want to discuss things with people about things and get something in my own way. I want to 1ive my 1ife with burning curiosity and solve it my way.

　　——You have had many exhibitions in other countries. Which country did you find the most fascinating?

　　Fang Lijun：Every country is fascinating in their own way, I am impressed by even the smallest things that can capture my heart. Ten years ago when I visited Kyoto ,I got lost in the street and asked a young person for directions. That person noticed I was walking the wrong direction and that person ran back to tell me this. I was impressed by this. It made me think that why the relationship between China and Japan is not so good when people are nice.

　　This interview was held the day before the exhibition and I was not able to have a deep discussion with the artist. The image I received from Fang Lijun was that of a gentle and cheerful artist.

　　出处：《AAC(ASIAN ART CITY)》，2007 Winter issue,Vol.5, P6.