State of the Arts: How One Illustrator Went From Drawing Camera Stylo To Exhibiting There
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.
There, Here and In a Mirror at Camera Stylo
Ever wanted to land an exhibition, but don’t really know where to start? Draw a picture of a gallery, throw it on social media, and let the curators come to you! At least that’s how Beijing-based Finnish illustrator, Reeta Inkeroinen did it, though she didn’t set out to. Nevertheless, after the folks over at Camera Stylo came across Inkeroinen’s illustration of their gallery’s facade on social media, they were so impressed with the work that they decided to invite her for an exhibition.
The result, There, Here and In a Mirror, a collection of pieces that attempt to reconcile feelings of longing for the far away, the conflicting phenomena of temporality and stability in the present, and the reflective properties of the internal. The show opens on Friday, Nov 13 with a talk from the artist, and will run until Nov 29. The opening is free to attend, just send a message to Camera Stylo’s WeChat account (ID: 13865608894) to RSVP. Free. 8pm-late. Camera Stylo
Drink and Draw at nugget café
Ever wanted to land an exhibition, but feel like your artistic skills aren’t really up to snuff, or that your body of work isn’t large enough? Well then get some much-needed practice and/or churn out piece after piece at nugget cafe’s weekly Drink and Draw sessions. What is Drink and Draw, you ask? It’s pretty self-explanatory, but essentially, it’s an opportunity to gather with artists of all different skill levels and put pen – or pencil, or marker, or brush, or whatever else – to paper as live models strike a variety of poses ranging from two to 15 minutes each. But what if I don’t have the necessary accouterments, you ask? Well, nugget is kind enough to provide boards, paper, and materials, all free of charge! All they ask is that you buy at least one drink to support the cause. And given that it’s nugget café, home of their eponymous tape label, you can bet there’s going to be some great tunes to keep the night alive. Free. Every Thursday, 8pm-Late. nugget café
4th Annual Lao She Theatre Festival
If you haven’t heard of Lao She, that’s probably because you can’t read Chinese and thus aren’t familiar with the Middle Kingdom’s robust literary canon. It’s okay, we don’t blame you. Having said that, Lao She was a prominent author during the 20th century, and is considered the father of Beijing Melodrama, a genre that showcases “Beijing culture to the rest of China through vivid and concrete characters.”
In years past, the Lao She Theatre Festival brought together a diverse array of playwrights and actors from around the globe, however, due to COVID-19, that wasn’t possible this year. Nevertheless, Chinese counterparts took it upon themselves to stage a number of international shows – in addition to domestic works – including French Comedy Theatre production, True and False Peach Blossoms, as well as The Pillowman by Irish dramaturge, Martin McDonagh. Unfortunately, that show took place at Gulou West Theater from Nov 3-5, so we’re a bit late in telling you about it (sincere apologies), but you can still catch the Chinese dance drama, Confucius, at Beijing Beizhan Theatre on Nov 20 and Nov 21! Performed by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater, Confucius recounts the tale of the famed philosopher as he traveled around northeast and central China spreading his revolutionary ideas.
The Lao She Theatre Festival will take place at venues across the city throughout the end of the year. To find out about upcoming performances, follow the event's organizer, Tianqiao Art Center and Theatre, on WeChat (ID: bjtqyszx). Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center
READ: Exploring Beijing’s Hidden Art Walk Destinations
Images: Reeta Inkeroinen, Polly & Chao Fang, VCG
