Detail: Theme/Title: Environment Concern and Human Existence

'"Ecology" mainly refers to "the habits and lifestyle of creatures and their relations with their surroundings", namely, human beings and other species’ patterns of living and developing in a certain natural environment. Nowadays, the environmental issue has attracted universal attention, and we need to make joint efforts to address the global ecological crisis. Consequently, it is contemporary artists’ social duty and noble mission, by using artistic form, to appeal people to protect and improve environment and maintain the common homeland of all human beings. With “Ecology and Homeland” as its theme, this Beijing Biennale aims at manifesting contemporary Chinese and international artists’ concerns for ecological and environmental problems, thus making known their cultural stand on and artistic responsibility for the matter. Broadly speaking, “Ecology” refers to not only natural ecology, but also human ecology. "Homeland" implies not only the physical environment, but also spiritual home. As the theme of this Beijing Biennale is widely inclusive, artists are encouraged to express it from different angles and through various forms. It could be predicted that among the participating exhibits, some would be works giving warning to the ecological crisis and criticism to disgusting actions of jeopardizing environment, but the majority of the exhibits should be works holding esteem for and singing praises of noble sentiments and spirit in protecting ecological environment. These works should focus on expressing the feelings of caring about all living things and the idea of pursuing harmonious co-existence and development between man and nature, so as to inspire the consciousness of ecological and environmental protection among the broad masses, and enhance people’s confidence in overcoming ecological crisis and building our green homeland. We trust that contemporary artists are rich in inspiration, talent, passion and individuality in their artistic creation, and would be capable of making exhibition visitors get unusual spiritual cultivation and aesthetic enjoyment.' - extracted from the press release.


The Beijing International Art Biennial is organised by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and Chinese Artists Association. The Beijing International Art Biennale was developed after China’s successful accession to WTO and winning the bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.
The exhibition is characterised by its emphasis on painting and sculpture, instead of the mediums of installation and video, which are prevalent in other international biennales around the world.