'Remaking Beijing considers [Tiananmen Square]'s transformation from a restricted imperial domain into a public arena for political expression, from an epic symbol of socialism into a holy relic of the Maoist regime, and from an official and monumental complex into a site for unofficial and antigovernment demonstrations. Wu Hung also explores how Tiananmen Square has become a touchstone for official art in modern China—as the site for Mao's monumental portrait on Tiananmen's facade, as the location of museums narrating revolutionary history and showcasing masterpieces of socialist art, and as a parade ground for extravagant National Day celebrations representing the revolutionary masses. Ultimately, he shows how in recent years the square has inspired artists working without state sponsorship to create paintings, photographs, and performances that reflect the spirit of the 1989 uprisings and pose a forceful challenge to official artworks and the political system that supports them.' (Excerpt from front flap)

Includes bibliographical references and index.