Chengdu Biennale 2026 Opens with Over 250 Artists
The Chengdu Museum of Art has launched the 2026 Pulse of Life: Biennale Chengdu, showcasing the works of more than 250 artists hailing from 29 nations. This event, spearheaded by curator Wu Hongliang and artistic director Wang Shaoqiang, is organized by a prominent Chinese art center under the guidance of the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. The exhibition's theme explores the 'smokiness and vitality of daily life' through six distinct sections: What is Worthwhile, Wonders of the Everyday, Urban Prism, Crossing Time and Space, Returning to Life, and Twenty-Four Hours. Featured artists include Bernar Venet, Julian Opie, and Qi Baishi, with activities designed to involve the local Chengdu community.
Key facts
- Pulse of Life: Biennale Chengdu 2026 opened at the Chengdu Museum of Art.
- Over 250 artists from 29 countries are participating.
- The biennial is guided by the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism.
- Wu Hongliang is the curator; Wang Shaoqiang is the artistic director.
- The theme is Pulse of Life, focusing on daily life vitality and indexical observation.
- Six thematic sections structure the exhibition, plus an outdoor area.
- International artists include Bernar Venet, Julian Opie, and Daniel Buren.
- Italian artists include Giuseppe Stampone, Enzo Cucchi, and Giorgio Cattani.
- Chinese artists include Qi Baishi, Xu Bing, Liang Quan, He Duoling, Yin Xiuzhen, and Jiao Xingtao.
- Local Chengdu traditions are integrated with technology, AI, music, and fashion.
- Participants include Oscar winner Ye Jin-tian, musician Hu Xiao'ou, and scientist Gou Maling.
- Public programs include pop-up museums and participatory projects.
Entities
Artists
- Bernar Venet
- Julian Opie
- Daniel Buren
- Giuseppe Stampone
- Enzo Cucchi
- Giorgio Cattani
- Qi Baishi
- Xu Bing
- Liang Quan
- He Duoling
- Yin Xiuzhen
- Jiao Xingtao
- Ye Jin-tian
- Hu Xiao'ou
- Gou Maling
- Wu Hongliang
- Wang Shaoqiang
Institutions
- Chengdu Museum of Art
- Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism
Locations
- Chengdu
- China