Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Jia Chunxia) news: On July 28, 2024, the 4th Xinjiang,China International Art Biennial kicked off at the Xinjiang Art Museum. Over the course of nearly three months, it will showcase 263 sets/pieces of artworks from artists in 14 countries and regions, including China, Italy, Germany, Kazakhstan, offering a splendid array of artistic delights to audiences of all ethnic groups.

Photo shows visitors take photos at the 4th Xinjiang China International Art biennial in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun - Xinjiang Daily/ Jia Chunxia)

Themed on "Pulse of the Hinterland," this biennial comprises four sections: "Digital Station," "Ecological Codes," "Silk Road Integration," and "Synergy Resonance." The parallel exhibition, titled "Symbiotic Realm: 100 Years of Xinjiang Art and Contemporary Observations," is the first of its kind to systematically organize and present the documentary materials of Xinjiang art since the early 20th century in the form of an exhibition. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, interactive installations, video, immersive art, research documents, and more. It encompasses cutting-edge artistic genres such as eco-art, conceptual art, abstract art, and tech-art, as well as new technological media of production. There is a significant inclusion of digital VR and new media interactive works.

Photo shows the opening ceremony of the 4th Xinjiang China International Art Biennial in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun - Xinjiang Daily/ Jia Chunxia)

"The exhibition not only focuses on contemporary art trends in the global context but also profoundly reflects on the unique position and role of Xinjiang, China, within this framework. 'Pulse of the Hinterland' is not just the theme of the exhibition, it is also a comprehensive examination of the rich cultural, historical, and natural resources of this land in Xinjiang. Through the manifestations of art, we can gain a deeper understanding of this land's unique charm and its significant role in contemporary art," said Zhang Zikang, the chief curator of this biennial, who is also a professor and Ph.D. supervisor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. He expressed the hope that through the exhibition, audiences would be inspired to pay attention to and ponder over diverse topics such as digital technology, ecological protection, Silk Road culture, and international cooperation, thereby arousing more people's interest and affection for Xinjiang and propelling the continued vitality of art in this land.

There are three Kazakhstani artists participating in this biennial. “It serves as a valuable opportunity to promote mutual understanding and exchange between the civilizations of Kazakhstan and China. We hope to deepen cooperation and exchanges between the State Museum of Arts of Kazakhstan and the Xinjiang Art Museum in areas such as artistic research, collection, and exhibition, thereby contributing to a new chapter in Kazakhstan-China cooperation," said the curator of the State Museum of Arts of Kazakhstan, who was invited to attend the opening ceremony of this biennial.

Photo shows the artwork "Xinjiang: A Shower" which captivates numerous visitors to take photos in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun - Xinjiang Daily/ Jia Chunxia)

In the "Ecological Codes" exhibition hall, an artwork titled "Xinjiang: A Shower" created by associate professor Wang Aijun from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts using agate and Gobi stones from Xinjiang, has attracted numerous visitors who stopped to take photos. "The piece's intense visual impact and extreme complexity evoke poetic imaginations of the universe," said Xinjiang painter Yalikun Hazi. He added that this biennial strives to break through traditional exhibition models, presenting a unique and innovative experience. These outstanding artworks have brought new perspectives and inspiration to Xinjiang artists, inspiring them to create more works with contemporary significance.

As a national-level cultural exchange brand event that is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Xinjiang China International Art Biennial has successfully held three editions, becoming a splendid cultural calling card for Xinjiang. It serves as an essential bridge for fostering exchanges among countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Not only has it injected new vitality into the development of Xinjiang's cultural and artistic undertakings, but also significantly enhanced the international recognition and reputation of "Xinjiang is a nice place," further elevating the international influence and dissemination of Chinese culture.

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