Artists, scholars and art institutions from China and abroad gathered in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, on Oct 26 for the Grand Artistic Ceremony of Wuhan Biennale 2026. Taking the biennale as a starting point, they discussed the aesthetics of urban life and how "a beautiful life" can empower "a good life".
Opened on Oct 1, the Walk & Talk — Wuhan Biennale 2026 exhibition features more than 500 works by over 370 artists from 22 countries, covering painting, sculpture, installation, and video. The exhibition includes classic works by international artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Joseph Beuys, Yoko Ono, and Marc Riboud, as well as local cultural exhibits including the original design for the colored porcelain mural in the Yellow Crane Tower main building and miniature models of old buildings in Wuhan.
Chen Yongjin, director of the Wuhan Art Museum and exhibition director of the biennale, said at the ceremony that the exhibits are mainly shown at the museum's Hankou and Qintai branches and also extend into city streets. "In this wider space, the audience, the works and the city can form emotional connections and resonate with one another," he added.
Fan Di'an, chairman of the China Artists Association, said the biennale places special emphasis on embedding exhibitions into city blocks and daily life, so that audiences can understand the value of artistic innovation and feel the charm of cultural creation in everyday life.
Biennale chief curator Wu Hongliang said the Qintai branch's greatness lies not in its area but in its capacity. "It brings contemporary art down from its pedestal and into the breeze of Moon Lake, the waves of the Yangtze River, the old times of the Hankou area, and the youth of the city," said Wu.
Since opening, the biennale has held seven public art education events, including international art sharing sessions, cross-disciplinary flash mobs, and in-person salons with artists. Some outdoor exhibition areas have also created 24-hour open art display windows.
The biennale will run until May 30, 2027, with more public art education activities planned to bring art into daily life.
