Opening: AO-MO Gallery & Perpetual Motion Exhibition

Lisbon, May 24 2024 – Under the clear blue skies and amidst the fragrant jacaranda blossoms, the AOMO Gallery, Lisbon’s first gallery established by the Chinese community, proudly opened its inaugural exhibition: “Perpetual Motion,” a solo show by artist Yanbei. This month-long exhibition (May 24, 2024 – June 21, 2024) not only serves as a dazzling retrospective of Yanbei’s decade of artistic creation in Portugal but also marks a significant event in the cultural exchange between China and Portugal.

On the opening day, the seaside AOMO Gallery welcomed over 150 guests and friends from various countries. The opening ceremony was hosted by Mr. Afonso, a professor at the University of Lisbon and an art historian, who shared his acquaintance with Yanbei and discussed Yanbei’s artistic development in Portugal. Dr. Gaspar Matos, on behalf of the mayor Oeiras, who oversees cultural affairs, attended the event to offer his congratulations. In his speech, he expressed his hope for more artists to host cultural and artistic activities in the city. He remarked, “Oeiras is one of the most economically vibrant areas in Lisbon, and the city government hopes that art will bring cultural prosperity to the region, allowing economy and culture to advance hand in hand.” At the opening ceremony, the famous artist Ai Weiwei highly praised Yanbei’s transformation and development in artistic style, and congratulated Yanbei on finding his unique artistic language.

“Perpetual Motion,” Yanbei’s second solo exhibition in Portugal, features 56 meticulously crafted works from his “Fingerprint,” “Color Field,” and “Landscape” series. These works skillfully blend the essence of Chinese and Western painting, showcasing the artist’s unique perspective and profound reflections in his exploration of new realms of painting. From purifying traditional Chinese painting techniques and themes, undergoing self-criticism and introspection, to deeply questioning the core of “what is painting,” Yanbei has forged a highly personalized and recognizable artistic language and symbols through his evolution in self-awareness. The exhibited works captivated the guests, receiving widespread acclaim and promoting cultural and artistic exchange between China and Portugal.

Yanbei’s artistic journey transcends the boundaries of Chinese and Western cultures. His works embody the charm of traditional Chinese painting while incorporating innovative elements of modern Western art. The “Perpetual Motion” exhibition offers guests and art enthusiasts a feast for both the eyes and the soul.

Yanbei (Zhang Guohui), born in 1963 in Pinggu, Beijing, is an artist who graduated from the Fine Arts College of Capital Normal University in Beijing (formerly the Art Department of Beijing Normal College).