Artworks breathe energy into serenity

Exhibition spotlights pieces that capture the essence of impermanence and peace, Li Yingxue reports.

Tucked away in a narrow hutong, or alleyways, in central Beijing, a wooden gate swings open to reveal an unexpected serenity. A spacious courtyard unfolds, anchored by two towering, lush trees. Along one side, a corridor lined with powerful artworks beckons.

Housed in the Mandarin Oriental Qianmen Hotel's quiet courtyard, The Hidden Essence of the Oriental exhibition runs until the end of May.

At the heart of the show are works by Beijing-based artist Zhang Xiaodong, whose delicate yet commanding pieces mirror the courtyard's tranquil atmosphere and the philosophical roots of Eastern thought.

"Who would expect to find such stillness in the middle of one of the world's busiest capitals?" Zhang reflects. "This place radiates an energy, as if time slows, or even bends. My work is shaped by that presence to channel today's emotional terrain while harmonizing with the surroundings."