Promotional materials for Beijing Biennial Photo:Courtesy of Beijing Biennial

Artists from 20 countries around the world are currently taking part in the 1st Beijing Art Biennale, which kicked off in the capital city on Friday. Introducing the theme of "Co-existence" to bind people of different races and cultures, the event is the first international art fair to light up the 2023 cultural scene in China. 

A total of 390 artworks created by more than 200 artists are on display at the show. According to the organizers, the theme "Co-existence" represents the development of Beijing's multi-artistic ecology and also shows how the art scene in Beijing has changed and developed over the years. 

Promotional materials for Beijing Biennial Photo:Courtesy of Beijing Biennial

Featuring the participation of cultural experts such as Hang Kan, president of Yungang Research Institute, and Chinese architect Ma Yansong, the show is divided into sections such as "Blueprint Beijing" and "Wake up the Life in the Stone." Highlights include a technology-powered artwork showing the legacy of the Yungang Grottoes, ancient Buddhist temples in Shanxi Province that were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

The 1st Beijing Art Biennale has adopted a "1+2+3" exhibition model. With the National Foreign Culture and Trade Base (Beijing) as the main venue of the show, there are two other sub-venues in the city as well as three formats for exhibiting artworks. 

Zhang Zikang, a member of the art committee of the biennale, said that by covering various types of art such as ancient Chinese art, red art and contemporary art the event presents Beijing's "rich and diverse artistic appearance." Additionally, the biennale aims to integrate the spiritual core of diverse shows into the cultural life and urban spirit of the capital.

The event is scheduled to end on March 12, 2023. 

Promotional materials for Beijing Biennial Photo:Courtesy of Beijing Biennial