Biennial exhibition features paintings, sculptures in past 40 years

"The 20th Sea Horizon — Painting and Sculpture Exhibition" runs through February 26 at China Art Museum (Shanghai).

Established in 1986 in Shanghai, the biennial exhibition examines local painting and sculpture over the past 40 years.

"Sea Horizon" has featured 526 local artists' works and is known for discovering and supporting new artists.

The 20th edition contains 100 paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, videos, and other art forms by 31 Shanghai and Yangtze River Delta emerging and mid-career artists.

The exhibition has four sections: "Man in the Mirror," "City of Nature," "Objects of Reflection," and "Virtual Spirit."

"Man in the Mirror" emphasizes individuality. "City of Nature" depicts the city-nature artistic interaction. "Objects of Reflection" explores how creative manipulation of materials and forms can turn everyday objects into art. "Virtual Spirit" uses creativity and new technologies to experiment.

This year's curating team includes chief curator Ding Yi, a well-known contemporary artist, plus four young curators. "Dimension of Image" is the theme for the 20th edition.

Ding claims that the deconstruction and reconstruction of art concepts triggered by technological change inspire "Dimension of Image."

Most of the participating artists were born in the 80s and 90s with academic art backgrounds both at home and abroad.

"They have experienced and witnessed the urbanization and globalization resulting from China's economic boom, and their artwork is destined to be synchronized with the pace of global art," Ding added.

For example, artist Gong Xinru uses the contour lines of his face as the basic carrier, repeatedly changing the internal traffic symbols and colors to express his "helplessness" as an individual in "Man in the Mirror."

Gao Yutao, an artist, incorporates memory, time, and commonplace objects into his works. By rearranging these ordinary objects, Gao aims to create a fresh emotional experience and establish a new connection with the audience.

If you go:

Date: Through February 26, 10am–6pm (closed on Mondays)

Address: 205 Shangnan Rd

Admission: Free