Art Attack: Dead Bodies, Rotting Food and the Enlightenment
We have ahead of us a week based on decay, but that’s OK, because sometimes things need to die for other things to grow, right? Is that morbid? Read on for info on a new film screening series kicking off with an Italian flick about corpse-trading, an art exhibit that starts with fresh fruit and ends with not-so-fresh-fruit, and the sendoff for the National Museum’s “Art of the Enlightenment” series.
First, a congratulations to The Bookworm for a festival well done. Hopefully you caught one or two of the many exciting author talks, performances, and experimental events (cough, cough, Choose Your Own Adventure). We here at the Beijinger had a blast doing both CYOA and our Pop-Up Magazine, so thanks to The Bookworm for letting us take part. Any of you attended and would like to share some feedback?
Moving on: The folks at the Beijing International Movie Center have been bringing independent films to Beijing through annual film festivals for years now, and they’re also behind the 48-hour Film Project (coming soon). On top of that, they are also consulting the city government about their new annual (official) Beijing International Film Festival (coming even more soon, as in April).
Now that introductions are out of the way, we’re excited to announce that they’ll also be starting weekly movie screenings on Sundays at the new China Museum of Digital Arts (CMoDA) near the Military Museum on Line 1. This Sunday at 3pm, they kick off with Bumba Atomika, an Italian horror-comedy playing on themes of alcohol and necrophilia. Good times.
Meanwhile, the UCCA’s rolling out a new retrospective this weekend celebrating one of China’s OG avant-garde artists, Gu Dexin. It’s the first time anyone’s made an effort to catalogue his expansive practice, and now that he’s retired (sick of the Chinese art game, it seems), this show and the accompanying monograph will make for quite a package. The center plans to take this show on the road, marking the first time the UCCA mounts an original exhibition that tours other global art institutions. Cue The Jefferson’s theme song ...
What you need to know: Gu Dexin’s art is often centered on the process of decay, so there will be piles and piles of fruit left to their own devices in the UCCA’s halls. More good times.
And for those who have been taking advantage of Beijing’s free museum entrance, you’ll have visited the National Museum these months and seen their ongoing “Art of the Enlightenment” exhibit and lecture series. The series is coming to an end with a final forum this weekend. More information below.
Photographers rejoice, for there is yet another opportunity for you to win things. The World of Chinese is hosting their first ever photo contest, themed "Faces of China." You send in your snaps of faces around China, they give you a chance to take home a retro Holga 135BC camera. More details here.
Also this week: Manchester’s party scene a la Joy Division, an artist talk with Keren Cytter and your last chance to catch the Lee Kit installation at Arrow Factory.
EVENT DETAILS:
New opening:
Gu Dexin: The Important Thing is Not the Meat
Mar 24-May 27. Rotting fruit, a sea of plastic and fantastic paintings make up this retrospective of one of China’s most important avant-garde artists. RMB 15, Free (students with ID, members). UCCA (5780 0200)
Last calls:
Lee Kit: It’s Not An Easy Thing
Until Mar 25. The Hong Kong artist sets up shop to transport us to the eve of a music album release in 1989. Cue nostalgia, anticipation and loss. Free. Arrow Factory (no tel)
Hong Lei: Mi Lou
Until Mar 25. The provocative photographer, painter and installation artist shows new works with a more mellow aesthetic. Free. Chambers Fine Art (5127 3298)
Mar 25
Film: Bumba Atomika
Italian director Michele Senesi’s genre-busting film about the Internet black market in corpses. Yes, corpses. Word is the film’s strongly influenced by Hong Kong cinema. This will be a rare debut screening in Beijing.
Talk: Enlightenment and Cultures of Knowledge
The ongoing “The Art of the Enlightenment” series at the National Museum comes to a close at this final dialogue session about exchanging knowledge across cultures. Free. 2-5pm. National Museum of China Theater (6512 8910)
Mar 28
Film: 24 Hour Party People
Tribute to Manchester’s music scene. RMB 40. 7.30pm. Riverbank Bar and Café (6506 8277; see Nightlife directory)
Mar 29
Film: Esperando el Tsunami
This improvisatory film is part road movie, part music doc and part arthouse. RMB 30. 7.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)
Artist Talk: Keren Cytter
The Israeli artist and writer gives an inside look at her new theater work “Show Real Drama,” debuting in Beijing just two days later (at Penghao Theater). Free. UCCA Auditorium (5780 0200)
Photo: Flickr user oRi0n
