USEFUL LIFE

Ensemble

M HKA has acquired the complete *USEFUL LIFE* for its collection in 2009, a key exhibition in the development of contemporary art in Shanghai. It features work of three internationally renowned Chinese artists: **Xu Zhen**, **Yang Fudong** and **Yang Zhenzhong**. [*USEFUL LIFE*](http://ensembles.mhka.be/events/useful-life--2) was made on location by the ShanghART Gallery during the 3rd Shanghai Biennial in 2000. This 3rd Biennial gave the artists for the first time hope for more openness from the government. It was the first biennal where foreign artists were admitted and where the government tolerated 'critical' work.

About M HKA / Mission Statement

The M HKA is a museum for contemporary art, film and visual culture in its widest sense. It is an open place of encounter for art, artists and the public. The M HKA aspires to play a leading role in Flanders and to extend its international profile by building upon Antwerp's avant-garde tradition. The M HKA bridges the relationship between artistic questions and wider societal issues, between the international and the regional, artists and public, tradition and innovation, reflection and presentation. Central here is the museum's collection with its ongoing acquisitions, as well as related areas of management and research.

About M HKA Ensembles

The M HKA Ensembles represent our first steps towards initiating the public to today's art-related digital landscape. With the help of these new media, our aim is to offer our artworks a better and fuller array of support for their presentation and public understanding.