Li Hui
At the Ullens Gallery in 798 art district artist Li Hui put on a show of futuristic light sculptures entitled V. "His dazzling special effects are the stuff of science fiction; his themes eternal"- Jérôme Sans. V acts as a brief glimpse into an unfathomable, inexpressible, terrifying post-human future which seems only suitable as Li Hui "believe[s] in mental communication rather than verbal explanation".
Personally, I'm a big fan of pink and couldn't help but love the exciting flashes of dazzling light. The atmosphere was intense like no other; set against a pitch black isolated backdrop.
CAFA Art Museum
Yesterday I stopped by the Central Academy of Fine Art's Museum in order to check out their latest collection from the Uffizi Gallery. There was a variety of painting genres including landscapes, still life and portrait paintings.
The collection of the Uffizi Gallery was large featuring artists such as the world famous Titian, Botticelli and Tintoretto.
There was also an exhibition on The Soul of a Nation-Revolutionary and Historical Themes in Painting on display in the gallery above which I accidentally stumbled upon. I just can't believe the vast size of these galleries!
Wang Jianwei
Today I had a most interesting visit to artist Wang Jianwei's studio.
Upon arriving I was met by large iron gates featuring the artist's own initials W. J. W. Fancy, and to tell you the truth I liked it!
I was given the grand tour of the large studio warehouse which was once a factory.
Photographs from his more conceptual installations covered the walls, as did his sculptures made from white plastic.
Much like the mummies of Egypt, his sculptural statues were securely stored in bubble wrap and resting against the wall.
Wang Jianwei's studio was packed with materials and projects which were recently returned after exhibition. The studio also featured some of his current projects such as the many cabinets and furniture which was stored in one corner of the large room. For those interested, his latest exhibition Yellow Signal is currently on display at UCCA in 798 art district.
Biskit
Spent a day with graffitti artist Biskit. This is how we do it...
Peter Lindbergh
German fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh's latest exhibition The Unknown is currently on display at UCCA in 798 Art District and as usual I simply couldn't resist stopping by to check it out.
Known for launching the global supermodel phenomenon, his images featured the likes of models Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford but also current superstars such as Chloe Sevigny, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Pivovarova, and Jessica Stam.
Jessica Stam, Mojave Desert, California, USA 2004
As Lindbergh himself says, "Creativity is the basis of self-expression. When I create a photo, the structure, the light and the face of the model, terrified, joyful or amused, comes from an idea, from a feeling, an emotion in that moment".
Lucian Freud
After hitting up Diane von Furstenberg's fashion exhibition, I stopped by the neighboring gallery Faurschou Beijing. Their current exhibition displays works by the influential artist Lucian Freud and his studio assistant David Dawson.
Lucian Freud, David & Eli, 2003-2004, Oil on canvas, 163 x 174 cm
This particular painting is of Freud's studio assistant David Dawson who regularly models for Freud. With a close friendship built over 20 years of working together it is not surprising that he is not a stranger to Freud's ability to scrutinize every little detail of the model's character. This painting has a classic freud set-up, a nude model on a bed. Freud has depicted this in his paintings for years with models lying or sleeping on his studio couch, sofa or mattress.
The exhibition also displayed images taken by David Dawson showing the working process of Freud and giving a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes. David Dawson is actually one of few people ever allowed to take pictures in Freud's studio.
Ling Jian- Moon in Glass
Emotion Angel, oil on canvas, diameter 190cm, 2010.
Another great day today, it involved a presentation by famous artist Ling Jian. He is a contemporary Chinese painter who lived and worked for many years in Vienna, Hamburg and Berlin. He is now based here in Beijing, China.
Detail from Emotion Angel
Hot off the press, I got the freshly printed book that accompanied the exhibition Moon in Glass, personally signed. Here's me and the amazing artist Ling Jian.
Snacked on some delicious nibblies during the presentation, while sipping tea.
A Glimpse of the Real Deal
You wouldn't believe what I have done tonight! This evening I was one of a few fortunate people who had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of an exclusive multi-million-dollar art collection that is soon to be auctioned at Sotheby's in Hong Kong. Exciting! The paintings were from Mr.Ullens's private collection and were flown in from Geneva, Switzerland.
Me and Mr Ullen discussed philanthropy, his upcoming projects and interest in education. Art was on the agenda too.
Me and Mr Ullen discussed philanthropy, his upcoming projects and interest in education. Art was on the agenda too.
Pygmalion
Reow!!!! Does anyone know the story of Pygmalion from Greek mythology? It goes something like this: "a king of Cyprus who fashioned an ivory statue of a beautiful woman and loved it so deeply that in answer to his prayer Aphrodite gave it life". This is my latest art concoction! It's an oil painting of the ever so gorgeous statue of David who was originally sculpted by the great Michelangelo. What do you think? Should I switch my career to full time artist?
Opening of Ullens Latest Exhibition & Switch!
Original photograph taken by: Ren Hang
This Saturday I had the pleasure of being a plus one to the opening of new exhibitions at UCCA/Ullens in 798 Art District. The latest addition included Qiu & Ren Hang's photographic exhibition Inner Ear, which showcased two different young Chinese photographers working in significantly different styles. The exhibition displayed some truly unique pieces that inspired a different outlook on both human interactions and self-isolation in the case of Ren Hang's work.
Original photograph taken by: Ren Hang
Original photograph taken by: Qiu
Qiu's work consisted of a series of black and white photographs that explored classic photography that featured elements characteristic of film noir. As poetic stills, these images become observations of a world that has become almost unknown to city folk. Pictures of serene trees, skies, butterflies and distant mountains.
Another series of works are that of Ling Jian's Moon in Glass collection, all works purposefully featuring circular shapes in order to create spacial illusions that lead to infinite visual continuity. There were several mirrors within the space that created an interaction between the viewer and viewed works. With meticulous detail and skill applied, the painted canvases become as photographic as that of the printed mirrors.
This Saturday I had the pleasure of being a plus one to the opening of new exhibitions at UCCA/Ullens in 798 Art District. The latest addition included Qiu & Ren Hang's photographic exhibition Inner Ear, which showcased two different young Chinese photographers working in significantly different styles. The exhibition displayed some truly unique pieces that inspired a different outlook on both human interactions and self-isolation in the case of Ren Hang's work.
Original photograph taken by: Ren Hang
Original photograph taken by: Qiu
Qiu's work consisted of a series of black and white photographs that explored classic photography that featured elements characteristic of film noir. As poetic stills, these images become observations of a world that has become almost unknown to city folk. Pictures of serene trees, skies, butterflies and distant mountains.
Another series of works are that of Ling Jian's Moon in Glass collection, all works purposefully featuring circular shapes in order to create spacial illusions that lead to infinite visual continuity. There were several mirrors within the space that created an interaction between the viewer and viewed works. With meticulous detail and skill applied, the painted canvases become as photographic as that of the printed mirrors.
After drinks at the reception and a tour given by UCCA Director Jérôme Sans, it was time to finish the day with a delicious lunch at Ullens's restaurant Switch! I munched on Rösti with a super fresh salad as well and to beat the cold sipped on my favorite tea, jasmine. It was such an amazing day!
798
Hi everyone! How have you all been? Apologies for the long intermission but yikes there has been sooo much work to do! School work is piled up to the ceiling and exams are creeping closer every minute. Between my hard work I found time to visit 798, the scandalous art district here in Beijing, notorious for big names and statement pieces. Here is just a fraction of the art, and the overall atmosphere.
What do you all think? Is it different from the art going on in your community? I absolutely love the first picture here, the man with the horse and owl. It's sooo smooth, calm, and peaceful - really powerful. What's your favorite?
Millesgården
Stopped by Millesgården to get some inspiration from all of the big sculptures created by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles.
Chandelier
Inspired by the time spent at the opera house where I saw beautiful large chandeliers everywhere, I figured I'd try to recreate the feeling in my own home. I got this baroque style chandelier at an auction house. What do you think? Building my future home step by step.
Interning at the Opera
Easy to get lost in gorgeousness, the costume department was enormous stocking thousands of classical growns, dresses, tutus, suits and shoes. I was allowed behind the scenes, onto the stage, into the dressing rooms, the costumes, make-up, and wig departments. I even had the pleasure of watching rehersals. Something you might not think about and something which I certainly never could have imagined before my internship was the vast size of the operations and the many departments behind the scene.
My favorite moment was without a doubt the second I got to go on stage. It was hard to resist the urge to burst out in song and show the staff what they'd been missing out on.
Macbeth at the Royal Swedish Opera
I went to see one of the last performances of Giuseppe Verdi's interpretation of Shakespeare's psychological thriller Macbeth. This was especially fun after my backstage tour which I went to a few days earlier and my upcoming internship in the costume department. The opera was performed in Italian and was absolutely amazing! I loved this opera, it was tragic yet romantic and beautiful.
