| 798 was a military electronics factory built in 1957 by East German Bauhaus architects. The factory complex closed years ago, and in 2001, Robert Bernell started a gallery out there called Timezone 8. After that, more and more galleries moved into the area. (The factory spaces were ideal for exhibiting art.) Soon, the galleries were accompanied by boutiques and cafes. This year, 798 is celebrating its 50th anniversary of existence. |
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798 - Beijing's Contemporary Art Zone
(click on images to enlarge)
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| A mere sample of what is on offer in the 798 complex. The best approach is wander through each doorway in turn until you find Timezone8 and then relax with a really nice coffee. | This type of curb and guttering upgrade has been going on throughout Beijing for the last two years. Perhaps it was the turn of 798 due to its increase in traffic. No doubt the concrete curbstones were delivers by horse and cart. | I discovered 798 by accident while looking for this opening which happened to be in the new Redgate Gallery in the 798 complex (click above for redgate link) |
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| Outside the cafe of Timezone8 (which serves a nice latt®¶) | Because there is often a retro element to Chinese contemporary art I am not sure if this is new or Maoist period - but it certainly raised Meixin's morale. |
Adjoining the coffee shop in Timezone8 is this amazing room. I imagined trying to exhibit anything in this joyous but noisy wallspace. |
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| The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art in 798 opening exhibition in November 2007. (Click for link) | ||
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| Meixin wants to check out the False Swans. Much of the art on show is priced (modestly) in US dollars. | Contemporary artist Quyan snapped at the opening of his retrospective in 798. (click for link) | The 798 Art Zone seems to attract a most youthful audience as well as urban middle class. |
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| One of the many art/craft-related shops in the zone. Meixin ensures I get the best value for my souvenirs. | Sexual and political content may be muted but that doesn't mean it's not there. | Xyzart |
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| The restaurant area in Timezone8 | The Timezone8 bookshop with an extensive range of artbooks in both English and Chinese. | |
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| I guess the observant gentleman is what one would call a "cadre" keeping an eye on things... but is the t-shirt a comment on the art? | ||
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| This is the New Art Warehouse.The sculptor is Huang Gang | The saluting Mao is a tiny version of the statues found on most university campuses. | |
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| I am still uncertain of whether this was conceptual art or an ad. for Lee clothes. | Why the sexy miss with the money counting machine? - no idea, but does it matter? | |
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| Fun art for the whole family | After a fascinating day touring the treasures of 798, the joy (for me) of a real latte, and not the crap Americans drink. |
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| I think thisal fresco sculpture is entitled "Profit" | Huang Gang | Huang Gang | Huang Gang |
(click on the images on this page to enlarge)
