Framing a better world

The title of the biennale, The Light of Life, salutes the perseverance shown by people from different walks of life in the face of the pandemic, especially medical workers in the fight against COVID-19 and the athletes who are striving on at the Winter Games.

Ma Fenghui, vice-chairman of the China Artists Association and a member of the biennale organizing committee, says the event has been built into an international "center stage" for contemporary paintings and sculptures, and this year celebrates the spirit of the Olympics and the shared fight against COVID-19.

"In addition to paintings and sculptures, installations, videos and mixed-media works are included in the biennale to present the diversity of the contemporary art scene," Ma says.

"Some artworks hail the bravery of doctors and nurses; some depict the strength of winter sports participants while challenging their physical limits; and others envisage the common future of humankind."