Art beat in April

Finding elegance and mystery in the bleak

Qiu Fei's latest mixed-media works largely depict empty wasteland and withering trees. But he doesn't intend to convey sorrow or hopelessness. He wants to express that such a bleak scene means no end of life; the dead woods still encapsulate great potential for renaissance, which shows the cycle of life in a more powerful manner than a short-lived flourish of blossoms. Titled All in Ruins, his solo exhibition brings a sense of mystery and elegance to those dying trees. Born in Shandong province, Qiu, 33, received a master's degree at the engraving department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. He divides his work and life between Beijing and Jinan.

10 am-10 pm, until May 3. Zhong Gallery (Beijing), Unit 118, 1st floor of Kerry Center Mall, 1 Guanghua Lu (Road), Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8529-6090.

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-Lin Qi

Childish on the edge

British artist Billy Childish's first exhibition at Lehmann Maupin's Hong Kong space, titled Edge of the Forest, celebrates his energetic creative force. He displays large portraits and landscapes featuring vivid colors. His inspiration comes from everyday life, including his wife and daughter and the river scenes that can be seen from his home.

10 am-7 pm, Tue-Fri; 11 am-7 pm on Sat, until May 3. Lehmann Maupin, 407 Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central, Hong Kong. 852-2530-0025.

Yue Minjun's exhibition

Contemporary artist Yue Minjun says his current solo exhibition in Nanjing displays works that were created based on daydreams and irrational speculations. Titled Big Face, the 30-odd paintings and sculptures on show are pulled from several series including Surface, Reproduction of Portraits and Maze developed in the past two years. "I always want to be a contradictory and complex individual. I will continue to work harder in a state of madness," he says.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays, until May 6. Art Museum of Nanjing University of the Art, 15 Huju Bei Lu (Road), Nanjing, Jiangsu province. 025-8349-8761/4.