State of the Arts: Exhibitions and Fairs to Catch Through the Summer
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.
The summer has blessed us with a great many exhibitions and art shows. While a few listed below aren’t taking off ‘til the end of July, some are only happening this weekend, so pay attention to those dates.
Aotu Summer Art Fair
Café and art space Aotu is back in action with a summer art fair happening this weekend only. Head there for art of all kinds including painting, illustration, printing, photography and more, plus a variety of food options like dim sum, shaved ice cream, coffee and cocktails. Scan the QR code in the poster to purchase tickets.
Aotu Space 凹凸空间
67 Beixinqiao Toutiao, Dongcheng District
东城区北新桥头条67号
Duration: Jul 9-Jul 10, 2pm-9pm
Yes! Art Festival
This festival is open to young artists from China and abroad and will feature over 160 exhibitors promising a vast array of different disciplines and styles of art.
M Woods Hutong 木木艺术社区
Bldg 3, 38 Qingling Hutong, 95 Longfusi Street, Dongcheng District
东城区隆福寺街95号，钱粮胡同38号3号楼
Duration: Jul 22-Jul 24
Red Gate Gallery Countdown Series 1
The final edition of Red Gate Gallery’s closing exhibition series has arrived. This concluding edition of the series features works by artists that have been with the gallery since its inception in the 1990s. To learn more about Red Gate and its impending closure, check out our recent interview with owner Brian Wallace.
Red Gate Gallery 红门画廊
2 Jiuxianqiao Road, 798 Arts District, Chaoyang District
潮阳区798艺术区酒仙桥路2号
Duration: Until Jul 17
Hello Morandi: Giorgio Morandi Prints Exhibition
Known for his simple and contemplative still lifes featuring bottles and jars, the works of Italian painter and printmaker Giorgio Morandi are on display at Raffles Space in Dongzhimen. The exhibition goes beyond paintings, though, featuring Morandi’s sculptural works as well as a few fitting tributes to the artist.
Raffles Space 北京来福士
1 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District
东城区东直门南大街1号
Duration: Until Sep 12
Almost a Memory: the Paintings of Zhang Xin
This exhibition, postponed due to epidemic controls, is finally happening at Joybeans Space near Beihai Park and Prince Gong’s Mansion. It focuses on the figurative paintings of Zhang Xin, which document and cement memories and moments from her travels around Europe.
Joybeans Space 九榀空间
15 Longtoujing Jie, Xicheng District
西城区龙头井街15号
Duration: Jul 10-Sep 12
Bruce Newman: OK OK OK
Born in Illinois in 1941 and having spent most of his working life in New Mexico, Nauman’s work, which consists of everything from neon light sculptures to a variety of installations, focuses on how different states – be they space, being presented with advertising or other factors – influence decision making and mood. The exhibition time has been extended to Jul 10, so don’t miss it if you haven’t gone already. To purchase tickets, find M Woods official WeChat (ID: MWOODSARTMUSEUM) and click on their most recent post about this exhibition.
M WOODS Hutong 木木艺术社区
Bldg 3, 38 Qingling Hutong, 95 Longfusi Street, Dongcheng District
东城区隆福寺街95号，钱粮胡同38号3号楼
Duration: Until Jul 10
Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line
You’ve most likely seen the work of Czech Art Nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha before (they’re a common element in the design of places like Modernista and other French-themed cafés around China). Now you can know more about the works and the artist behind them with this exhibition set to kick off on Jul 22 at the Guardian Art Center, featuring over 300 examples of Mucha’s works. Tickets can be purchased via Guardian's official WeChat (ID: GuardianArtCenter)
Guardian Art Center 嘉德艺术中心
2F, 1 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街1号二层
Duration: From Jul 22-Oct 30
The Playful World of Eric Carle
Illustrator Eric Carle is known for his many colorfully done children’s books, including classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider. You can see these illustrations up close and personal at this exhibition coming to UCCA Lab at the end of July. Tickets can be purchased via the UCCA Lab mini program (just search for the module on WeChat).
UCCA Lab 北京艺术空间
798 Arts District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区
Duration: Jul 21-Oct 16
READ: Subway Art: the Murals of Beijing's Line 8
Images: Jerry Shen (via Unsplash), 那些不能错过的展览, courtesy of the venues
