There is no shortage of exhibitions, art talks and other artsy happenings in Beijing, so here we’ve picked out a few which we think are definitely worth checking out!
Toyism Behind the Mask Art Talk at JinShang Yuan
If you are a frequent visitor to 798, then you might already be familiar with the Toyism movement, which unveiled the Tree of World Cultures mural in the arts district’s Concerted Square North (同心广场北) earlier this year. Well, they are back in Beijing again with a special art talk at JinShang Yuan this Friday (Sep 27). Called “Toyism Behind the Mask,” the talk will introduce attendees to Toyism, the Dutch art movement that originated in the 1990s in Emmen, Netherlands. Emphasizing playfulness and creativity, Toyism invites participants to engage with art in a vibrant and imaginative way.
The event is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Toyism Artists, and JinShang Group, and highlights the cultural exchange between the Netherlands and China. During the talk, talented artists from the Netherlands will showcase their work and share insights into the enchanting processes behind their creations. With special guest speakers guiding discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Toyism’s philosophy and its impact on contemporary art. This is a fantastic opportunity for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to immerse themselves in a captivating artistic experience.
“Toysim Behind the Mask” will be taking place at JinShang Yuan on Fri, Sep 27, at 7.30pm. Tickets are RMB 118 and can be purchased by scanning the QR code in the poster above.
JinShang Yuan
20 Xinyuanli West, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新源里西20号
Abstract Intentions in the Collection of Brian Wallace at Red Gate Gallery
A new exhibition has recently opened at Red Gate Gallery: “Abstract Intentions in the Collection of Brian Wallace.” This exhibition features 23 selected abstract artworks from Wallace’s collection, showcasing three decades of contemporary art’s evolution in China.
Beginning in the early 1990s, pioneering artists like Wang Luyan, Tan Ping, and Hu Shengping initiated a shift from abstraction to deeper conceptual exploration. Since the millennium, a new generation of artists, including Yang Liming and Li Gang, has converged in Beijing to delve into the metaphysical connections between Eastern and Western philosophies through abstract forms. Millennial artists such as Wang Yi and Jiang Chao continue to push the boundaries of abstraction, embracing its infinite possibilities.
The “Abstract Intentions in the Collection of Brian Wallace” exhibition is showing at Red Gate Gallery from now until Oct 27. Entry is free. You can read more about the exhibition here.
Red Gate Gallery 红门画廊
2 Jiuxianqiao Road, 798 Arts District, Chaoyang District
798艺术区酒仙桥路2号
Hours: Tue-Sun, 9am-5pm
Phone: 137 0107 8721
Adelaine Meritz Solo Exhibition: Au coeur de l’été
Berlin-based French artist Adelaine Meritz’s first solo exhibition in China opened last Saturday (Sep 21) at UM Gallery in the 798 Art District. Called “Au coeur de l’été,” the exhibition showcases Meritz’s vibrant floral works, where traditional motifs become bold expressions of plasticism. Her experimental style blends graphic illustration with vintage filmic prints, creating an engaging narrative that evokes a powerful, lingering sensation.
Her pieces feature a dynamic interplay of colors, with fluorescent tones mingling with softer hues, exploring themes of identity through ancient photographic portraits. Meilliez’s journey – shaped by her travels and studies in illustration and textile design – challenges conventional representations of femininity, using fabric and makeup as ink to push boundaries.
Adelaine Meritz Solo Exhibition: “Au Coeur de l’été” is showing at UM Gallery from now until Nov 24. Entry is free. You can read more about the exhibition here.
UM Gallery
Zhongyi Jie, 798 Art District, Chaoyang District
朝阳区798艺术区中一街
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm
Phone: 156 0023 5345, 139 1169 0647
Beijing Maps Exhibition Opening with Liuba Draws
This Saturday (Sep 28), is the opening day of the “Beijing Maps” exhibition featuring Liuba Draws. Taking place at Qiankun Space from 2pm until 4pm, the exhibition opening will unveil Liuba Draws’ biggest painting to date: the Beijing Map. Along with the new artwork, the exhibition will also showcase a collection of fascinating maps of Beijing throughout history. There will be food and drinks available during the event as well as the opportunity to purchase a limited edition, signed high-quality print of the map, or, for an extra fee, you can even request a customization of your print where either you, your home or your business can be added to the map!
The “Beijing Maps” exhibition opening event will be taking place at Qiankun Space on Sat, Sep 28, from 2pm to 4pm. The exhibition will run from Sep 28 until Nov 1. Entry for both is free, and you can read more about the exhibition here.
Qiankun Space
26 Yangmeizhu Xiejie, Xicheng District
西城区杨梅竹斜街26号
Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-7.30pm; Sat-Sun 9.30am-8pm
Phone: 010 6313 5597
Claus Potthoff’s L’Architecture en Cinémascope: My Unique View On Exhibition
Another new exhibition hitting Beijing is “L’Architecture en Cinémascope: My Unique View On” by Claus Potthoff at Zarah. The exhibition officially launches on Thursday (Sep 26) and showcases Potthoff’s distinct perspective on architecture. Developed during a visit to Paris in 2015, Potthoff’s approach isolates buildings from their urban context, emphasizing their form without distraction. Utilizing the classic CinemaScope format, he employs an extreme aspect ratio of 2.55:1 to create dynamic perspectives and layouts that infuse tension into his compositions.
The “L’Architecture en Cinémascope: My Unique View On” exhibition will officially open at Zarah on Thu, Sep 26, at 7pm and will run until Nov 20. Entry is free, you can read more about the exhibition here.
Cafe Zarah
46 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
东城区鼓楼东大街46号
Hours: Sun-Thu, 10am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 10am-1am
Phone: 010 8403 9807
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Images: courtesy of the organizers
