Connecting with art

A commissioned painting focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative will be key highlights of the upcoming Beijing International Art Biennale. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Liu Dawei, who chairs the China Artists Association, says the first event was not easy because it was held in the immediate aftermath of the lethal SARS outbreak in the country.

The seventh event will showcase mainly paintings and sculptures that are on the theme of this year, the Silk Road and World's Civilizations.

Xu Li, the vice-chairman of the China Artists Association, says that since its launch, the biennale has been committed to cater to Chinese audiences, and therefore it highlights developments in painting and sculpture, the two major art forms that are favored by local viewers.

"We have also included some installations and videos in the last two editions of BIAB because essentially, the event underpins openness, inclusiveness and diversity," says Xu.

He adds the BIAB is all embracing also because it gives space to not only countries where art is booming and highly commercialized, but also to countries that are much less developed but want their artists' voices to be heard internationally.

He says that, for example, the upcoming exhibition will display works by artists from countries along the ancient Silk Road and now in chaos, such as Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

He says their paintings are focused on families who are being ripped apart by conflicts, and they pay homage to mothers who bravely protect their children.

"The works stress even more on subjects like peace and expectations that are at the heart of Silk Road spirit," says Xu.

The 600 works that have been selected for the event were from more than 10,000 applicants.

BIAB will hold six special shows this year, including four country shows that feature the art of Georgia, Indonesia, Mongolia and Greece.

"Chinese audiences have seen a lot of art from western Europe and North America. So, we hope that these four shows will increase their knowledge of less familiar cultures," says Xu.

"Many might have traveled to countries such as Indonesia and Greece, but fine art will provide them with new perspectives."

One show will look at the influence of Italian Renaissance painter Tintoretto (1518-94) on contemporary African artists.