The late Chinese-French conceptual artist Chen Zhen referred to his creative method as a “short-circuit phenomenon.” This was his way of saying that the deeper meaning of an artwork is revealed when it is moved from its original context to a new one. The objective was to learn more about the relevance of culture and tradition in art, themes that interested Chen throughout his life. In this exhibition, brass plates, Chinese antiques, and mechanical trees will launch viewers into Chen’s politically ambiguous world. Previously unseen works, from 1991 to 2000, the year Chen died, are included in the show. —E.C.