798 Murals and Shows Worth Catching for Spring

Spring is here and the city’s flora have opened up as if to cheer with a whole lot of color and brightness. Spring flowers and the German Chancellor aren’t the only things paying a visit to Beijing recently. The city’s art scene is getting bright and thoughtful with a few new exhibitions and frescos.

Long before Chancellor Schultz graced 798 with his presence, 798 received a visit from some very different foreign dignitaries in the form of members of the Toyism movement, a group of artists dedicated to engaging viewers with thought-provoking yet playful art.

What was left in their wake stays true to their mission, a vibrant fresco in the arts district’s Concerted Square North (同心广场北) depicting Beijing, visions of the Netherlands – where the Toyism movement began – and a mishmash of cultural hallmarks geared toward exchange.

This isn’t the only thing the artists left behind, though, with an exhibition of Toyist artworks happening from now until Apr 14 at Red Gate Gallery – the perfect means of exploring the group further.

Elsewhere in 798, UCCA has a new exhibition of the works of Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, which will be on display until June.

Dubbed “Time Machine”, the show features an extensive look at the artist’s large format photographs and other works – including a never-before-seen piece of darkroom calligraphy – all done with the intention of challenging the viewer’s perception of time and memory.

Along with these aforementioned exhibitions, you’ll find the regularly shifting mural near Meet You Museum and UCCA has gotten a recent upgrade (see below). It’s definitely worth a gander and a few photos or more.

The city’s art scene is vibrant with new exhibitions and thought-provoking creations. It’s a good way to tickle your brain this Spring, so don’t miss out.

READ: Spring has (Finally) Sprung! Here’s Where to See Blossoms in Beijing

Images: 798, Red Gate Gallery