Artworks at the exhibition Photo: Courtesy of the Taikang Art Museum in Beijing

On Sunday, the Taikang Art Museum in Beijing launched Two Sides of One Coin: Reflections and Transformations, an exhibition set to run until the end of July.    

Curated by Yang Zi and based around the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) painting Shi Yi Shi Er (lit: One or Two), the exhibition skillfully connects subtle metaphors, either concrete or abstract, between contemporary artworks and the Shi Yi Shi Er. 

The exhibition breaks down the philosophical propositions contained in the painting, taking into account the transformation and borrowing of various ancient aesthetics in the work in the context of contemporary art. Through this lens, the ancient painting seems to reflect the drawbacks brought about by rapid development, isolation among individuals, and lack of ultimate meaning in modern times. 

The exhibition includes the works of 15 artists, casting light on contemporary art from a global perspective. In addition to Chinese artists, their peers from Indonesia, Vietnam and Denmark are also participating in this exhibi-tion.