Cultural events ongoing in Beijing

Exhibits

Ming to Nirvana

Red Gate Gallery is showing Ming to Nirvana, a group sculpture exhibition that celebrates the dynamism and diversity of the plastic arts.

Transforming the interiors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) watchtower into an eclectic sculpture garden, the exhibit is inspired by a plethora of themes ranging from Han Dynasty burial suits, voyeuristic apartment windows to the transcendental philosophies of Buddhism.

On display are ceramic dresses from artist Li Xiaofeng, resembling delicate armor made of blue and white Ming imperial shards that reference Han-period jade suits.

There are also works by Shi Zhongying that draw references from Giacometti's sinewy forms to create cocoon-like figures in various poses. Like a sleeping Buddha that symbolizes the attainment of Nirvana, the reclining steel and mesh wire figure echoes the setting of a Dunhuang cave Buddha that has laid dormant for centuries.

The sculptures of Island6, an artist collective, reveal an animated narrative using LED technology. The light panels resemble a magnifying lens of a telescope similar to Rear Window, the classic Alfred Hitchcock film where the viewer gets a glimpse of the intimate environment of the LED personages.

Completing the post-modern scenario, Laurens Tan's spaceship-like fiberglass sculptures herald the arrival of Beijing as the new metropolis.

Until Feb 28. Red Gate

Gallery, Dongbianmen Watchtower, Chongwenmen, 6525-1005.

崇文门东便门角楼

Donations on show

To celebrate the Chinese new year, the National Art Museum of China is holding an exhibition of donations provided over the past five decades.

The exhibition comprises more than 800 artworks with a wide range of categories donated by about 88 representative artists.

Included are traditional Chinese ink paintings, oil paintings, printmaking, sculptures, sketches, caricatures and folk art.

Over the past 50 years, the National Art Museum of China has accepted donations in different ways and has collected a number of artistic treasures. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for the public to appreciate this cultural fortune.

Until Feb 26, 9 am-5 pm. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng district, 6400-1476.

东城区五四大街一号中国美术馆

Events

Shinichi Osawa live show

Shinichi Osawa is a singer, musician, producer and DJ.

He first hit the scene as leader of a band called Mondo Grosso in 1993, of which he has released works internationally. His album The One was released in Japan, Europe and the United States.

As a producer, his works include Japanese artists Namie Amuro. As a remixer, Osawa has worked for Digitalism and Felix da Housecat.

Part of his appearance at Yugong Yishan will be as DJ. His skills are evident from being highlighted as a key DJ in Japan over the last two years.

Osawa will be joined by Japanese friend and touring buddy, Masa. Also featuring at the event will be R3 and Liman.

Feb 25, 10 pm. Yugong Yishan, west courtyard of the site of former Duan Qirui government, Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng district, 6404-2711.

东城区张自忠路3-2号, 段祺瑞执政府旧址西院, 愚公移山

Drama: Out of Order

This is a comedy that tells the tale of what happens inside a hotel suite one night.

The play was created by Ray Cooney, a British comedy writer. His works have been staged on the West End and Broadway, and in 1991, Out of Order won the UK's Laurence Olivier award for Best New Comedy.

Founded in 1995, the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center was established by the former Shanghai People's Art Theater (initially founded in 1950) and Shanghai Youth Drama Troupe (founded in 1957).

Since the establishment of the center, it has promoted a range of new dramas, including on tour throughout China. The center was awarded the Plum Blossom Award, Gold Lion Award and the Magnolia Award.

Feb 19 to 21, 7:30 pm. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, 6655-0000.

国家大剧院

Ballet: The Nutcracker

The National Ballet of China has adapted this classic for the Chinese stage.

The new story is set in China and the dance styles and costumes are inspired by Chinese culture.

Founded in 1959, National Ballet of China (NBC) is the only Chinese national ballet company.

Pyotr Gusev, the celebrated Russian ballet master, laid a solid foundation of classical ballet for the company. Today, in its repertoires, there are dozens of full length ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, La Sylphide, Sylvia and many others.

Over the past 20 years, the company has also staged numerous contemporary works such as Serenade, Etude, Four Last Songs and Rite of Spring.

The NBC has successfully used ballet to depict the lives of Chinese people.

The Red Detachment of Women, Lin Daiyu and Raise the Red Lantern have been highly-acclaimed domestically and internationally. These outstanding ballets established a foundation for creating a style that was uniquely Chinese.

The NBC has successfully toured over 30 countries and regions such as Britain, the United States, Russia, France, Denmark and Italy.

Feb 24 to 26, 7:30 pm. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, 6655-0000.

国家大剧院

(China Daily 02/21/2011)