Preview: New Beijing: Young Painting from China @ Sesame Gallery

By tikichris Last edited 162 months ago
Preview: New Beijing: Young Painting from China @ Sesame Gallery

Chen Hongzhu and Liu Guanguang are but two representatives of a young and ambitious camp of contemporary Chinese artists. Both in their mid-twenties, Chen and Liu's China is one exposed to choices and influences that earlier generations couldn't have imagined. Products of the state's one-child policy, these 'only children' artists offer a fascinating look at youth culture and an edgy (if cuddily) take on coming of age in a changing nation.

For artsy fartsily fanciful Londoners, Sesame Gallery's New Beijing: Young Painting from China is a chance to get up close to the eye candy paintings by the two artists. Playful, timid and at times slightly sinister, the works on show seem to proudly break or simply ignore the rules of their Western art counterparts while obviously insisting on being part of the global conversation.

If vivid paintings of contemplative and insecure kids in animal suits and cutesy masks (Guanguang) or big-eyed, Ryden-esque portraits with subtle suggestions of danger and disturbance (Hongzhu) is your sorta thing, make sure to check this exhibition out.

New Beijing opens Thursday 23rd September and runs until October 21st at Sesame Gallery, 354 Upper Street, N1 0PD. Visit the gallery online at www.sesameart.com.

Last Updated 22 September 2010