Gallery Weekend Beijing 2025: Four Solo Shows Highlight Emerging Chinese Artists

The 10th annual Gallery Weekend Beijing (GWBJ) took place in the 798 Art District, a commercialized area that remains a dense hub for galleries, nonprofits, and collectors. Despite economic downturn pressures, the event showcased resilience and emerging sensibilities among younger Chinese artists. Four notable solo exhibitions were highlighted: Tian Jianxin's 'A User Guide' at Capsule Shanghai, transforming found household objects into anthropomorphic sculptures; Payne Zhu's 'Anal Intelligence' at Spurs Gallery, exploring capital, finance, and the body through algae paintings and LED screens, winning the Best Exhibition Prize; Michele Chu's 'gasp' at MACA Art Center, an interactive installation using salt to examine grief and sound; and Ao Jing's 'A Straight Line' at Magician Space, a text-free installation of light, vibration, and chance. Collector Tian Jun designed Ouyang Chun's exhibition for a Special Sector, and actress Zhu Zhu co-curated an outdoor sculpture program. GWBJ runs through May 31.