The exhibition, a project funded by the Beijing Culture and Arts Fund in 2023, is being held at the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall from June 20 to June 30, 2024. It is curated by the China Mural Association in collaboration with the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Urban Planning Society of Beijing, Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, and Beijing Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd.
The exhibition is divided into five sections, vividly interpret the splendid Subway Art.
Focusing on the pioneering Beijing Subway Line 2 murals, the first section features works about Xizhimen Station, Dongsi Shitiao Station and Jianguomen Station. These murals, created in the 1980s, witnessed the development of Beijing's subway and mural art, laying the foundation and creating classics.
The second section showcases murals designed and created by the older generation of artists. These pieces embody the artistic pursuits of a generation and leave a valuable artistic legacy for Beijing's subway.
Next section gathers murals with Beijing characteristics. Artists have integrated Beijing's history, culture, and contemporary life into the art, creating a harmonious blend of themes based on the humanistic and natural landscapes of different station locations.
The fourth section features works like "Wangfujing in New Era". It captures the vibrancy of Beijing's modernization. Artists use new perspectives and materials to depict the new era, blending the ancient capital with modern Beijing. This section also unveils the creation processes of various art forms, including chased copper, stained glass, stone inlay, and ceramics.
The last section presents valuable sketches and material drafts from Beijing subway mural creations since the 1980s. Visitors can see the evolution from simple pencil sketches to complex mixed media, reflecting both the artists' refined skills and the continuous innovation in mural materials and techniques. These hand-drawn drafts, ranging from traditional Chinese ink painting to the three-dimensional effects of oil painting and relief, offer a vivid glimpse into the creative processes of mural artists, forming an indispensable part of the artistic memory.
This exhibition provides a comprehensive and immersive experience, highlighting the dynamic and diverse development of Beijing's subway mural art.
Translator: SHEN Ruixuan
Reviewer: LI An
