Li Ran’s work explores the history of art, using mimicry and satire to question the role of the institutions and narratives that define it. The theme of the art industry’s inner workings, formed with seemingly abstract conversations and secret languages known only to insiders, permeates Li Ran’s artistic practice.

Becoming a Symbolic Archive explores how we look back upon memories or relics of the past. The artist says: ‘Looking back at history, we occasionally write in prose or flip through the archives. Unable to see the dark side of the context, we end up revisiting symbolism, making ‘speculation’ a tool. We refuse to back down nonetheless, till we walk towards solitude, scattered at the end of the story…’

Li Ran’s work explores the history of art, using mimicry and satire to question the role of the institutions and narratives that define it. The theme of the art industry’s inner workings, formed with seemingly abstract conversations and secret languages known only to insiders, permeates Li Ran’s artistic practice.

Becoming a Symbolic Archive explores how we look back upon memories or relics of the past. The artist says: ‘Looking back at history, we occasionally write in prose or flip through the archives. Unable to see the dark side of the context, we end up revisiting symbolism, making ‘speculation’ a tool. We refuse to back down nonetheless, till we walk towards solitude, scattered at the end of the story…’

Li Ran’s work explores the history of art, using mimicry and satire to question the role of the institutions and narratives that define it. The theme of the art industry’s inner workings, formed with seemingly abstract conversations and secret languages known only to insiders, permeates Li Ran’s artistic practice.

Becoming a Symbolic Archive explores how we look back upon memories or relics of the past. The artist says: ‘Looking back at history, we occasionally write in prose or flip through the archives. Unable to see the dark side of the context, we end up revisiting symbolism, making ‘speculation’ a tool. We refuse to back down nonetheless, till we walk towards solitude, scattered at the end of the story…’

Li Ran’s work explores the history of art, using mimicry and satire to question the role of the institutions and narratives that define it. The theme of the art industry’s inner workings, formed with seemingly abstract conversations and secret languages known only to insiders, permeates Li Ran’s artistic practice.

Becoming a Symbolic Archive explores how we look back upon memories or relics of the past. The artist says: ‘Looking back at history, we occasionally write in prose or flip through the archives. Unable to see the dark side of the context, we end up revisiting symbolism, making ‘speculation’ a tool. We refuse to back down nonetheless, till we walk towards solitude, scattered at the end of the story…’