Animating the Antiquated: Collective Performances with Song Dong’s Communal Courtyard

Last October, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) announced that it would be mounting an exhibition to showcase its newest acquisition by Beijing-based conceptual artist Song Dong, who is known for his multi-piece installations and performances that deal with the everyday. Comprised of 100 vintage Chinese wardrobe doors, Dong’s seminal installation Wisdom of the Poor: Communal Courtyard (2011–13) transformed the AGO’s Signy Eaton Gallery into a series of walkways and rooms reminiscent of Beijing’s traditional communal hutongs.

• China
• Canada