On the Mid-ground

Book excerpt: Hou Hanru is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic and innovative curators and critics on the contemporary art scene today. Known for such ground-breaking exhibitions as Cities on the Move (co-curated with Hans Ulrich Obrist), Out of the Center, Parisien(ne)s and the Kwangju Biennial in Korea, his work addresses questions of globalization and identity, understanding contemporary art practice as it exists beyond geographical and regional boundaries. This dense, excellent collection of his writings and interviews is divided into four sections: "From China to the International," " From 'Exile' to the Global," "Global Cities and Art," and "Interviews, Dialogues, Conversations."