esea contemporary marks 40 years with 'Thresholds of Becoming' exhibition in Manchester
From 21 February to 17 May 2026, 'Thresholds of Becoming,' an anniversary exhibition curated by Xiaowen Zhu, will be showcased at esea contemporary in Manchester. This event marks the institution's journey from a grassroots Chinese Visual Arts Festival to a National Portfolio Organisation, featuring six artists who delve into themes of transition. Nicole Coson utilizes aluminium oyster shells to explore aquaculture, while Xin Liu investigates ecological vulnerability through a duckweed ecosystem. Charmaine Poh presents her video installation 'The Moon Is Wet' (2025), which intertwines tidal stories. Minoru Nomata and Yang Yongliang focus on urban fragility, and Yin Aiwen develops participatory frameworks, emphasizing esea contemporary's dedication to East and Southeast Asian artists and global-local dialogues.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Thresholds of Becoming' runs 21 February – 17 May 2026 at esea contemporary, Manchester
- Curated by Xiaowen Zhu
- Features six artists: Nicole Coson, Xin Liu, Charmaine Poh, Minoru Nomata, Yang Yongliang, Yin Aiwen
- Marks esea contemporary's 40th anniversary, tracing evolution from Chinese Visual Arts Festival to National Portfolio Organisation
- Charmaine Poh's 'The Moon Is Wet' (2025) is a 3-channel video installation commissioned by PalaisPopulaire
- Xin Liu's 'Insomnia' (2025) includes a tank with duckweed, aluminum, stainless steel, resin, and kinetic systems
- Manchester cultural institutions mentioned: Whitworth, HOME, Manchester Art Gallery, Castlefield Gallery
- Bradford 2025 attracted over 3 million people to 5,000 events and projects
Entities
Artists
- Nicole Coson
- Xin Liu
- Charmaine Poh
- Minoru Nomata
- Yang Yongliang
- Yin Aiwen
- Xiaowen Zhu
- Shirley Stevenson
Institutions
- esea contemporary
- PalaisPopulaire
- Makeroom LA
- Public Gallery
- Whitworth
- HOME
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Castlefield Gallery
- Islington Mill
- Aesthetica Art Prize
- Future Tense exhibitions
- Bradford 2025
Locations
- Manchester
- United Kingdom
- Singapore
- London
- England
- North
- Northern England
- Bradford