After the death of Mao Zedong in 1976, his successor Deng Xiaoping introduces a new policy of openness to the world. Swiss diplomat Uli Sigg arrives while the country is in full economic and social upheaval. The affect this has on great artists like Zeng Fanzhi, Cao Fei, Fang Lijun, Ai Weiwei and Wang Guangyi will help raise awareness for their work. The Chinese Lives of Uli Sigg looks back at the career of this singular man, who made his mark on contemporary art and saved the works of great artists, who entrusted him them to protect them from the authorities.

Picture gallery

The life of the Swiss art collector Uli Sigg reveals the whole history of modern China, as filmed by director Michael Schindhelm. Fascinated by Sigg, who, in Schindhelm’s eyes, lived several lives (a pioneer in opening China to the world, Swiss ambassador to Beijing and a key player in contemporary art), Schindhelm spent three years collecting testimony from his relatives in the East and West on Sigg’s career and passions. The result is a fascinating portrait of a man who is unknown to the general public, but also of a country that has since revealed itself to the world, distinguishing itself in the art world. A tribute to Sigg, whose collection will be shown at M+ in Hong Kong starting in 2019.