“Unearthing the Past” is the inaugural project launched by MAM & UP-ON. Its core mission is to systematically organize and present key moments and valuable archival materials from the history of performance art with an objective and rigorous approach. Through in-depth research and scholarly investigation, the project aims to uncover overlooked practices and historical turning points, thereby producing outcomes of academic value.
UP-ON Performance Art Archive Launches “Chengdu + Shanghai” Dual-City Operation Model
In late 2021, with the support of many like-minded individuals, the UP-ON Performance Art Archive was established in Chengdu. For more than four years, UP-ON has remained true to its original mission, collecting, organizing, researching, and publishing performance art materials and documentation with an international perspective. Through lectures, workshops, art festivals, and archival exhibitions, it has tirelessly promoted professional exchange and artistic practice.
Now, through a fortunate turn of events and with all our efforts, after more than half a year of preparation, the MAM & UP-ON Live Art Documentation Center has taken root in Shanghai and will officially launch on June 17, 2026. Located in the northwest outdoor corridor of the Art Warehouse Museum, facing the Huangpu River, the center is positioned as a professional art platform dedicated to mapping the live art ecosystem, archiving documentation, and disseminating academic research.
The “dual-city” operational model spanning Chengdu and Shanghai presents both opportunities and challenges. UP-ON must swiftly and continuously strengthen its internal capabilities, scrutinize and address its shortcomings. Only then can UP-ON seize the opportunities for resource complementarity and business model upgrading, turning its goals and ideals into reality.
The establishment of the UP-ON Performance Art Archive began with the support of many like-minded individuals. Having grown to this point by embracing the philosophy of “drawing sustenance from many sources and receiving blessings from all” in both practical survival and professional development, UP-ON still has a long journey ahead. To achieve “BE UP-ON YEARLY” (as expressed in Marina Abramović’s message of congratulations), your continued guidance and support remain indispensable!
Reflecting on Shanghai’s Avant-Garde Art of the 1980s
’A Brief History of Shanghai’s Avant-Garde Art in the 1980s‘ marks the inaugural event following the establishment of the MAM & UP-ON Center for Live Art Documentation. Dongnian’s decision to organize this exchange of archival materials was inspired by Mr. Zhao Chuan’s book ‘A Brief History of Radical Art: Chronicles of 1980s Shanghai’ (2014, Shanghai Sanlian Bookstore). The book systematically documents avant-garde art practices in Shanghai during the 1980s, offering a clear and comprehensive presentation of this long-neglected chapter of local art history—a reading experience that is both moving and thought-provoking.
The exhibition takes the textual and visual materials from *A Brief History of Radical Art: Chronicles of 1980s Shanghai* as its central thread, while also making selections and additions from UP-ON’s perspective, which focuses on performance art. Through this event, we hope to revisit the autonomous artistic actions that spontaneously emerged on the streets, in attics, darkrooms, and cultural centers of 1980s Shanghai, paying tribute to the early explorations of Shanghai’s contemporary art. Those spontaneous, grassroots, and electrifying moments form the precious grassroots roots of China’s contemporary art history and constitute an indispensable chapter of Shanghai’s modern and contemporary art narrative. Indeed, from a certain perspective, Shanghai’s Abstract Expressionism serves as a vital source for the development of China’s modern and contemporary art following the Reform and Opening-up.
In the end, we would like to once again extend our sincere gratitude to the many colleagues who have provided support, including the documentation, for this event!
Opening: 3:00 PM, June 17, 2026 (Wed.)
Duration: June 17 – September 11, 2026
Address: 4777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Advisors (listed by pinyin): Liu Huatong, Tian Meng, Zhu Qi
Coordinators: Ding Lei, Xu Fei, Lüzi, Peng Zaoyi, Shao Ye, Zhang Yi, Zhou Bin
Organizer: UP-ON Performance Art Archive
Hosted by: MAM & UP-ON Live Art Documentation Center
Title Sponsor: PUSHU
Special Support: DONGLAI ART Acknowledgments: Cang Xin, Ding Yi, Feng Lianghong, Li Shan, Ni Weihua, Tang Guangming, Xue Song, Yang Hui, Yu Yu, Zhao Chuan, Zhu Qi
Poster & Exhibition Design: Ding Lei
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00 (last admission at 17:30); Closed on Mondays (opening hours on public holidays subject to announcement)
Address: 1st Floor, Art Warehouse Museum, 4777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Project Title Sponsorship:
Since its founding in 2015, Pusu has been guided by the philosophy of “stripping away the ornate to reveal the essential, with artistry and composure,” steadfastly blending art and design. We advocate for the integration of art into everyday life, weaving it into every detail and expression of our brand to offer contemporary urbanites—regardless of age or background—a comfortable, minimalist, and high-quality lifestyle experience. We are currently the men’s apparel brand in China that engages most actively and closely with contemporary art.
