The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg

Watch The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg

  • 2018
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 6.3  (20)

The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg is a mesmerizing documentary released in 2016 that chronicles the life of Uli Sigg, a Swiss art collector who amassed an unparalleled and vast collection of contemporary Chinese art. This movie is directed and produced by Michael Schindhelm, who employed a unique and engaging approach that weaves together photography, interviews, archival footage, and animation to create a vivid tapestry of the life and times of Uli Sigg.

The film opens with the historic handover of Hong Kong in 1997, a momentous occasion that marked the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of China's rise as an economic powerhouse. Uli Sigg, a Swiss businessman, witnessed this event first hand and immediately foresaw the potential of China's art world. He began collecting contemporary Chinese art, recognizing the emergence of an avant-garde culture that defied the rules and restrictions of the communist regime. The movie focuses on Sigg's journey from a European entrepreneur to a visionary guardian of Chinese contemporary art.

The movie highlights the role of Sigg as a man who believed in the power of art to change perception and challenge beliefs. He not only collected pieces that were aesthetically pleasing, but he also collected art that had a social or political message embedded in it. The film takes us on a journey through Sigg's exhibition, which highlights art that questions China's modernization and globalization, prompting a conversation around personal and collective identity in the face of rapid transformation.

Along with Uli Sigg, this documentary features many prominent Chinese artists who played a significant role in the contemporary art scene in China. These artists include Ai Weiwei, a human rights activist, Zeng Fanzhi, painter, and Fang Lijun, the father of the cynic art movement in China. The film gives a glimpse into the diverse genre of Chinese contemporary art that ranges from the traditional to the modern.

Moreover, the documentary discusses Sigg's role as a cultural mediator between China and the western world. As the first ambassador of Switzerland to China, Sigg played a crucial role in connecting China to the international art scene. He curated the first major exhibitions of contemporary Chinese art in Switzerland, Austria, and Canada, which gave many Chinese artists their first opportunity to showcase their work to the world.

The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg embraces a broad range of current social and political issues, including the complex relationship between China and the western world, the role of art in society, and the importance of cultural diplomacy. The movie gives the viewer an objective look into contemporary art in China, questioning the boundary between art and politics. It also depicts the financial and social struggles of artists in China and the impact of censorship, government control, and limited freedom on the development of the art scene.

In conclusion, The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg is an exceptional documentary that paints a vivid portrait of Uli Sigg's unique story and his immense contribution to the art world in China. It provides a rare insight into the contemporary art scene in China in the last few decades and boldly addresses issues that have become pressing, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in Chinese culture, art, or the issues surrounding globalization in today's world.

The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.

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Where to Watch The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg
The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2018
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (20)