Painting biennial in Hangzhou recreates elegant gatherings

Yaji, or "elegant gatherings" organized and attended by creative individuals, were popular centuries ago in China. At thes events, literary figures painted, wrote, chanted, feasted and enjoyed a variety of entertainment performances as they shared views on a wide range of topics in a relaxed atmosphere. Masterpieces such as Lanting Xu calligraphy were produced at yaji gatherings.

The Sixth Hangzhou Biennial of Chinese Painting aims to recreate such an atmosphere by showing paintings, calligraphy, installations and images, aided by augmented reality technology.

The exhibition at the Zhejiang Art Museum in Hangzhou, running through Feb 28 examines the roles of art and cultural traditions in a globalized context, especially under a circumstance such as the prevailing pandemic, which has confined people to limited activities.