State of the Arts: Matthew Barney, Kremlin Artifacts, Groundbreaking Jewelry, and Chinese Rock 'n' Roll
State of the Arts is our regular arts column wherein we take a look at the newest moves in Beijing's creative scene and highlight art news as well as exhibitions, artists, and openings that you should seek out.
Until Nov 8: Royal Items From the Kremlin
The Palace Museum is currently home to over 150 items selected from the Kremlin Museum, including regalia from several former tsars, military uniforms, ornaments from the royal family, documents, prints, and countless photos from the 18th and 19th century. Many of the items are showing in China the first time, providing an in-depth look at the Russian Empire through this illustrious age. RMB 60. Tue-Sun, 8.30am-5pm. The Palace Museum
Until Nov 11: Vered Kaminski Jewelry Exhibition
As one of the world’s leading goldsmiths, Israeli artist Vered Kaminski's work has garnered international acclaim, with her work even being chosen as a national gift to German Prime Minister Angela Merkel. Kaminski utilizes a mathematical approach to create designs that are intricate yet playful, and often feature raw materials as diverse as concrete and metal sculpted to look like stones combined with complex wiring techniques. Free. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm. Guardian Art Center
Until Nov 18: For Praying: Solo Exhibition of Akishi Ueda
Young Japanese artist Akishi Ueda’s sculptures are easily recognizable thanks to their unique and surreal depictions of otherworldly figures. Pulling inspiration from everything from fairy tales to modern technology, Ueda's creatures somehow strike a perfect balance between creepy and comforting, each exhibiting his masterful use of color and providing a new way to see familiar lifeforms. RMB 48. Daily, 10am-6pm. Sum Art Museum
Until Nov 26: Look Back Into the Sun: Photography Exhibition of Gao Yuan
Gao Yuan is not only an iconic figure within China’s photography community but also among the country's rock 'n' rollers. Throughout the '90s she snapped many of the best bands in all their frenzied and often hairy glory. Through these pictures, the audience is transported back through several important historical events in China’s modern-day music evolution, including the now-infamous Hong Kong rock festival in 1994, where many musicians and bands gained wider international fame. According to Gao, the exhibition is "a record and an affectionate look back to the old days and the people therein." RMB 58. Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. Today Art Museum
Until Jan 12, 2020: Matthew Barney: Redoubt
American artist Matthew Barney has worked his way to becoming one of the most provocative artists of our time through his fanatical combination of various art forms including sculpture, film, and drawing, to explore themes that often dwell on conflict and failure.
Redoubt, now showing at UCCA, features Barney’s work from over the past decade, made up of five monumental sculptures built using traditional casting methods and new digital technologies and materials such as plastic, petroleum jelly, and cast metals. There are also more than 50 engravings and electroplated copper plates, and an artist-conceived catalog. Barney's eponymous two-hour film (pictured at top), which presents a wolf hunt in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountain range as a larger riff on seeking mythological creatures and artistic creation, will be shown at various intervals each day. RMB 60-100 (tickets can be bought here). Daily, 10am-7pm. UCCA
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Photos: Douban; UCCA, Art Jewelry Forum
