What's on

Elusive blue

Ru porcelain, produced by official kilns during the late Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), is widely considered a synonym for prominence and grace in the long history of Chinese ceramics. It is best known for its distinctively serene color, which is described in a poetic manner as "the subtle blue tone of sky emerging as the rain gradually stops, and accumulated clouds disperse". Any serious collector of art dreams of owning a single piece as the best example of the high cultural taste of Song era aristocrats and intellectuals. But there is only a handful of Ru wares in existence, mostly in the collections of major museums. However, reproductions by modern artisans are of fine quality, and provide an alternative for collectors. One of those accomplished in the art is Xu Jiegen, who is devoted to reviving the techniques and styles of Ru ware. His ceramics made in the style of Ru porcelain are now on show at Root, a one-man exhibition at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum, which runs until Aug 15. These objects, whether in the form of classical shapes or new styles, embody the texture of Ru ware, and the aesthetic views and lifestyle of spiritual cultivation they represent.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. 16 Hujing Donglu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8799-1766.

Future and eternal

In 2015, the Today Art Museum launched a biennale called The Future of Today, to discuss the foremost trends and issues in global art, culture and technology. The fourth installment, titled To Your Eternity, is now underway at the museum and brings together 54 cross-disciplinary works by artists from all over the world. It is an invitation, through immersive experiences, into the minds of artists active during different periods of time, to understand their artistic and philosophical views about the past, present and future. It is also a discussion of the profound influence of science on the imagination, the emotions and lifestyles. Featured artists include celebrated names like Isamu Noguchi (1904-88), one of the most critically acclaimed sculptors of his time, as well as members of the younger generation, who are more used to digital living and who embody the cutting-edge of new technology in their pieces. The exhibition runs until Oct 15.

10 am-6 pm, closed on Mondays. 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5876-0600.

Life in print

Luo Guirong describes his work with print as an "exploration of the rich combinations of dot, line and formation". Not only does he seek to present their beauty in two dimensions, but he also directs the eyes of viewers to physical spaces in the real world created by lines and squares — such as the crossing lines on roads, buildings, alleys and cities — which illustrate the order and rule of society, and shape people's outlooks on the world. Luo's ongoing exhibition at the China National Academy of Painting, The Engraving of Time, opens the audience to his mind and heart. It reflects the efforts of an artist to achieve perfection of detail and extent of scope and depth over a span of three decades. The exhibition runs until Aug 15.

9-11:30 am, 1:30-4:30 pm, daily. 54 Xisanhuan Beilu, Haidian district, Beijing. 010-6841-2606.