State of the Arts: Public Art with a Purpose Outside the US Embassy

State of the Arts is our regular arts column whereby 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.

If you’ve been up in the Embassy District lately near Liangmaqiao, you may have noticed things by the US Embassy have gotten a bit more artsy. A new public art installation has popped up on the southeast wall of the embassy complex. But this is more than just cool new art – it’s an exhibition with a global purpose.

These visual displays have been put in place as a wake-up call to an ever-growing crisis, the climate crisis. This is the second time such an exhibition has been displayed at the embassy, and its popular as ever.

Titled “Art for the People: The Earth”, this public art exhibit showcases street art from 19 internationally recognized muralists, in hopes of inspiring viewers to stimulate change and make more people aware of the threat of climate change. Art has always had a way of speaking to people visually, and the US Embassy’s hope is to continue a conversation in 2020 with the US-China Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action.

This conversation began with a statement in the declaration: “The [United States and China] are intent on seizing this critical moment to engage in expanded individual and combined efforts to accelerate the transition to a global net zero economy.”

Exhibition curator Sani Hoop says “[extinction], filthy oceans, climate change, care for our Earth, and pollinators” are all addressed in the art here “in hopes to work on a common goal of a healthier Earth for our communities large and small, near and far.” She continues, adding “I hope people look up and see the visual voices on our walls and enjoy the beauty and take heed of the message. These are messages of love, hope, and unity for our Earth, its creatures, and each other.”

If you’ve not yet had the chance to visit the exhibition, there’s still time, as it will be up for about five more months. If you can’t see it in person, you can check out the video on the embassy’s website here, or follow their official accounts on WeChat, Weibo, or Twitter.

The site found through this link also introduces each of the 19 artists more thoroughly, for those looking to really get a glimpse into the minds of the creators and the visions they have created; and maybe even help understand some of the meaning behind their work – a true deep dive into an exhibition if there ever was one.

READ: State of the Arts: Five Exhibitions to See in Beijing This Winter

Images courtesy of the US Embassy in China, Beijing