Ma Haiquan: Urban Images

Ma Haiquan: Urban Images Ma Haiquan: Urban Images April 11, 2025 – May 10, 2025 Opening Reception: April 11, 2025, 17:30–19:30 Venue: AOMO Gallery Curator: Yanbei Step into the visual meditations of Lisbon-based photographer Ma Haiquan. Through poetic compositions of light and shadow, the artist captures the fleeting silhouettes of subway passengers, solitary figures at street corners, and the delicate balance between motion and stillness. Born in Beijing and residing in Lisbon since 2015, Ma Haiquan’s work transcends geographical boundaries. Blurred commuters in transit engage in silent dialogue with crystalline stillness, reflecting the migrant experience of navigating cultural thresholds. As restrained Eastern composition meets the lyrical expression of Western urban landscapes, these images embody AOMO Gallery’s core philosophy: Art Without Borders. Through his photography, Ma Haiquan examines how displacement reshapes visual storytelling, encouraging young audiences to reinterpret identity through experimental imagery.

Yan Bei Attends the Opening of Ai Weiwei’s Exhibition A New Chapter in London

Yan Bei Attends the Opening of Ai Weiwei’s Exhibition A New Chapter in London On February 7, 2025, Ai Weiwei’s solo exhibition, A New Chapter, opened at Lisson Gallery in London. This exhibition presents a series of new works by the artist, exploring the complexities of identity, politics, and cultural heritage through a visual language that intertwines history and contemporary themes. At the heart of the exhibition is F.U.C.K. (2024), an installation composed of four Second World War military stretchers, covered with over 9,000 different types of buttons sourced from the now-closed A Brown & Co button factory. This piece not only continues Ai Weiwei’s research into industrialization and textile history but also symbolizes the transformation of craftsmanship in the era of globalization. Adjacent to it, Go Fuck Yourself (2024) uses military tents as canvases, similarly sewn with buttons, addressing political polarization and social division. Through the rearrangement of materials, these works present a critical perspective on communication and conflict in contemporary society. Additionally, Ai Weiwei reinterprets Paul Gauguin’s masterpiece Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? (1897-98) using toy bricks, integrating modern imagery such as drones and references to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Within this composition, he portrays himself as an Indigenous figure, examining the language of pixelation and identity in the digital age. He states, “This material is a new linguistic system, constructed through digital logic, positioned at the intersection of the rational and the irrational.” Wheat Field with Crows (2024), another toy brick piece, replaces the crows from Van Gogh’s painting with drones, using contemporary imagery to evoke themes of chaos and control, offering a reinterpretation of historical artworks in today’s context. The exhibition also features four small-scale sculptures made from toy bricks. Among them, Iron Helmet Secured by Toy Bricks (2024) stands out—a rusted German soldier’s helmet encased within a white brick-built altar, symbolizing war, memory, and the passage of time. Through this exhibition, Ai Weiwei continues to push the boundaries of artistic language, constructing a dialogue between personal, political, and artistic narratives. His works, rich in conceptual depth and visual intensity, invite viewers to reconsider key issues at the intersection of history and contemporary reality. Exhibition Information: Title: Ai Weiwei | A New Chapter Dates: February 7 – March 15, 2025 Venue: Lisson Gallery, London

Yanbei ignites the passion for Chinese painting among IB art students at St. Julian‘s School

Yanbei ignites the passion for Chinese painting among IB art students at St. Julian‘s School On January 20, renowned artist Yan Bei was invited to St. Julian‘s School to host a unique Chinese painting workshop for senior art students and others interested in traditional Chinese art. This event was part of the school’s cross-cultural art education program, aimed at introducing students to the beauty of Chinese traditional art. The workshop began with Yan Bei showcasing classic Chinese artworks and explaining the unique features, historical significance, and cultural context of Chinese painting. He introduced essential tools such as brushes, ink, and Xuan paper, as well as techniques for creating brush strokes, manipulating ink tones, and composing artwork. His presentation not only helped students understand the philosophy behind Chinese painting but also sparked their interest in Chinese culture. During the hands-on session, students practiced creating their own works using traditional methods. Yanbei provided individual guidance, offering tips on brush handling, controlling ink gradients, and achieving a harmonious composition. Despite it being their first experience with Chinese painting, students showed enthusiasm and creativity, completing impressive pieces that reflected their individual interpretations. During the workshop, students and teachers gathered to discuss various art pieces that provided by Yanbei, including a long-scroll painting, marveling at the intricate details and cultural depth of the artwork. This discussion led to a broader conversation on the differences between Eastern and Western art, fostering deeper appreciation for diverse art forms. The workshop not only enriched St. Julian’s School’s art curriculum with an Eastern perspective but also created a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange. Through this immersive experience, students gained not only artistic skills but also a profound understanding of cultural diversity.

Yanbei Explores New Creative Ideas in Ai Weiwei’s Art Exhibition “Don Quixote”

Yanbei Explores New Creative Ideas in Ai Weiwei’s Art Exhibition “Don Quixote” In November 2024, artist Yanbei from Aomo Gallery traveled to León, Spain, to attend Ai Weiwei’s art exhibition Don Quixote. This exhibition showcases some of Ai’s most significant works in recent years, addressing themes of identity, history, and social issues. During the event, Yan Bei and Ai Weiwei engaged in in-depth discussions about their creative processes and artistic philosophies. One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is The Last Supper, recreated using LEGO bricks. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, Ai Weiwei transforms the iconic religious painting into a pixelated mosaic, using LEGO as a contemporary medium. The pink-toned background disrupts the solemnity of the original composition, offering a fresh visual interpretation. Through this work, Ai Weiwei explores themes of collective faith and individual identity while challenging conventional notions of historical art. After viewing the exhibition, Yanbei remarked that Ai Weiwei’s work is not just about reconstructing classics but about critically engaging with social issues. His innovative use of materials and visual language allows viewers to rediscover familiar images with new meanings. This exchange of artistic ideas has also prompted Yanbei to reflect on the direction of their own creative work. The exhibition in León will run until February 2025, offering audiences a profound artistic journey through history, contemporary issues, and personal expression.

“Portuguese Landscapes in the Eyes of Chinese Artists” Opens in Lisbon

“Portuguese Landscapes in the Eyes of Chinese Artists” Opens in Lisbon In September 2024, the group exhibition “Portuguese Landscapes in the Eyes of Chinese Artists” opened in Lisbon, Portugal. Curated by artist Yanbei, the exhibition features works from Chinese artists: Yanbei, Traviee, Bing Han, Guowei Wang, Zhongping Yu, Yongtao Pan, Jianjun Xu, Zixuan Sophia Zhong, and Ruowei Chen. Through diverse artistic perspectives, the artists explore their interpretations of Portuguese culture, landscapes, and daily life. The exhibition spans figurative and abstract styles, incorporating various media and deeply personal narratives, reflecting their creative evolution in a foreign land. The opening event welcomed over 100 guests, including art professionals, members of the local Chinese community, and Portuguese cultural enthusiasts. Engaged in lively discussions, attendees shared their personal experiences of living in Portugal and the inspirations drawn from cultural exchange. “As a universal language, art allows us to communicate beyond words,” said curator Yanbei. “This exhibition is not only a reflection of how Chinese artists perceive Portugal but also a bridge for deeper cultural understanding and dialogue.”

Christmas Art Creation Charity Sale

Christmas Art Creation Charity Sale More information coming soon.  please check back for updates. Sign up to receive information about exhibitions and events