Art Attack: Invisible Artist Liu Bolin, Yue Minjun at Pace and Photographer Helen Couchman at Aluss
We’ve waited awhile to see Liu Bolin’s newer “Hiding in the City” works on our home turf, and this week it happens at Galerie Paris-Beijing. Also check out new digital media art in Songzhuang, new works by the iconic (if over-hyped) Yue Minjun, and the new photography of Helen Couchman opening at bar-slash-art space Aluss.
You’ve probably seen photos of the camouflage king around on the interwebs and been amused by his trippy illusions. And sure, it can seem gimmicky, but it’s this kind of art that gets people’s attention - and gets conversation going, which we’re always keen to celebrate. At best, Liu’s practice is a simple concept that can be carried out all over the world, each piece a record of a site-specific performance in its own right, with a range of political and social implications. At worst, it’s a twist on Where’s Waldo, and who doesn’t love that?
Hit up Galerie Paris-Beijing this Saturday to see his latest camo-incarnations for yourself. Details below.
Also, please note that the New Age: New Media show is actually opening THIS weekend, not the last. Apologies to anyone who trekked out to Songzhuang a week too early to watch people install the exhibit (as I inadvertently did – picked up a nice bottle of wine in the process though). Lesson learned: always call ahead.
If you’re looking to do some hutong bar-hopping this weekend, you’ll also have a chance to check out new photography by local UK artist Helen Couchman at the charming Aluss.
Speaking of hutongs, Jiaodaokou art co-op Homeshop has always maintained a small library, but this Saturday, they’re kicking off its official public launch. They’ve got “a collection of over 600 items, including literature, film, small devices and more.” Small devices? The curiosity is killing me.
Homeshop will also be hosting a book-making workshop all day long, as well as a talk with writer A Yi at 6pm. Find out more at their website.
Also on offer later this week are the new NCPA production “Chinese Orphan” – a period opera that promises spectacular costuming and set design – and the dream-like Modern Circus, complete with dance and digital effects.
And if you’re in the mood for a star-studded history lesson (and here I use the term history lightly), there’s always Founding of a Party, out this week. For a side-by-side comparison of actors with the historical figures they portray (including Uncle Deng, way at the bottom), check out this awesome post.
Yue Minjun: The Road
Jun 11-Jul 16. China’s most iconic contemporary painter shows newer renditions of his trademark nihilistic smile. Free. Pace Beijing (5978 9781)
Helen Couchman
Jun 18-Jul 9. The Beijing-based UK artist and photographer premieres her latest work, which explores the angles and realities of our city using mirrors and her lens. Free. Aluss Art Photography Space (8400 2628)
Liu Bolin: Hiding in the City
Jun 18 – Jul 31. Few artists work so hard to disappear. Enjoy Liu’s practice of painting himself to camouflage into mundane or symbolic settings all over the world. See his newer works in Beijing. Free. Galerie Paris-Beijing (5978 9262)
New Age: New Media
Jun 18-Jul 30. Chinese and Australian artists come together for a joint large scale exhibit of digital media works. Includes new work by animator Bu Hua. Free. Songzhuang Art Museum (8957 8575)
Wang Zhidong: Another Year
Jun 18-Aug 1. In this oil painting exhibitiong, small frenetic brushstrokes give way to moody, muted scenes. Free. XYZ Gallery (8459 9299）
Modern Circus: Cinématique
Jun 19. Dancing, juggling, music, drama and digital arts all combine to produce a dream-like show. Part of Festival Croisements. Price TBD. 8-9.30pm. Dongcheng Cultural Center (6401 5552)
Opera: Chinese Orphan
Jun 20-23. A new original production by the NCPA, we hope this will redeem the classic Orphan of Zhao story that was butchered by Chen Kaige in his last film Sacrifice. RMB 100-580. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)
Photos from Somethingburning.com and Helen Couchman
