5th Suzhou Jinji Lake Biennale

2020.9.6-2020.11.15

5th Suzhou Jinji Lake Biennale

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    The 2020 5th Suzhou Jinji Lake Biennale was themed "Guarding the Original Intention, Integrating Civilizations." It featured eight thematic exhibitions, three thematic forums, and over twenty parallel exhibitions. Under the professional curation team led by Wu Weishan, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, an internationally renowned sculptor, and director of the National Art Museum of China, the exhibition was prepared over ten months and ran from September 6 to November 15. It became the first urban biennale in the country held under the ongoing pandemic prevention measures.

    In response to the normalized pandemic prevention situation, this biennale combined in-person and online activities, implementing strict health protocols indoors to create a diverse, all-weather art festival for the public.



Eight Major Thematic Exhibitions：


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沁——自传统精神创生的“向水性”探索.jpg意韵江南.jpg佛·儒·艺.jpg源·启.jpg


China Youth Sculpture Art Exhibition


The "China Youth Sculpture Art Exhibition" has been held alongside the biennale, successfully hosting four editions, becoming increasingly mature and continuing the legacy of sculpture to celebrate youth. The 5th "China Youth Sculpture Art Exhibition," curated by Shang Rong, the deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Urban Sculptors Association and vice chairman and secretary-general of the Jiangsu Sculptors Association, features three chapters: "National Tradition," "Beautiful Life," and "Modern Diversity." It showcases 180 outdoor sculptures with strong interactivity and innovative forms, truly bringing "sculpture into the lives of the people." The high-quality works include contributions from elite members of the "National Ministry of Culture and Tourism's Thematic Art Creation Sculpture Class" and "Nanjing University's National Art Fund Sculpture Class," along with representative and innovative pieces from the chairpersons and executive directors of the Chinese Urban Sculptors Association and Jiangsu Sculptors Association, resulting in a diverse, vibrant, and profound exhibition.


 Voices from the Seine — Exhibition of Works by Academicians of the French Academy of Arts in the Collection of the National Art Museum of China


 Curated by Shao Xiaofeng, head of the research department at the National Art Museum of China, this exhibition presents outstanding works by academicians of the French Academy of Arts, following the "Enduring Legacy — Invitation Exhibition of Works by Academicians of the French Academy of Arts" (2016) and "Enduring Legacy — Sculpture Works by Academicians of the French Academy of Arts" (2019). It features 37 sculptural works from five academicians in the museum's collection: Claude Abadie, Jean Cardot, Jean Anguera, Anthony Penser, and Brigitte Terzieff.


Self · Chronicles of Things Contemporary Art Exhibition


Curated by Wu Hongliang, president of the Beijing Academy of Painting, this exhibition draws on the Ming Dynasty text "Chronicles of Things" by Wen Zhenheng, continuing the curatorial concept of the "Self" series, seeking energy from tradition for the present and reflecting on various issues within the interplay of art and life. It serves as a key to entering the life and interests of literati in late Ming Suzhou, constructing a new space that is visual, experiential, and contemplative for viewers.


 Objectivity — New Art Under Civilizational Integration


Curated by Liu Chunfeng, associate researcher at the National Art Museum of China, this exhibition showcases interpretations, reconfigurations, and recreations of "everyday materials" by artists from various countries, encompassing new artistic forms including sculpture, painting, large-scale installations, photography, and new media VR art.


 Qin — Exploration of 'Water Nature' Derived from Traditional Spirit


Curated by Sun Xin, deputy secretary-general of the China Calligraphy and Painting Magazine's Calligraphy and Painting Institute, this exhibition features 38 works from ten representative contemporary ink artists: Shen Qin, Liu Qinghe, Cui Jian, Cui Jin, Chen Lin, Liu Mingbo, Sun Lei, Du Xiaotong, Zhang Jian, and Wang Muyu, each presenting their interpretation of "water nature" to convey the value of interaction and transformation between ancient and modern spirits.


 Essence of Jiangnan — Invitation Exhibition of Young Artists' Chinese Painting


 Curated by Fan Wendao, associate professor at Nanjing Normal University and deputy director of the Jiangsu Research Center for Calligraphy and Painting Arts, this exhibition gathers young artists from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, divided into three sections: "Spiritual Mountains and Waters," "Flower Clusters," and "Peach Blossoms and Faces," showcasing regional and diverse characteristics through landscapes, figures, and flower-and-bird themes.


 Buddhism, Confucianism, and Art — Calligraphy and Painting Combined Exhibition 


Curated by Zhang Chaohui, director of Nanjing Runmo Art Museum and deputy secretary-general of the Nanjing Youth Artists Association, this exhibition includes five sections: "Special Invited Works," "Clouds Offering," "Majestic as Mountains," "Diligently Advancing," and "Special Recommendations," inviting over 60 artists to display 36 sets of calligraphy and painting works. All exhibited pieces are collaborative efforts between artists and scholars, merging Buddhist and Confucian philosophies in an artistic form of "calligraphy and painting combined."


Source · Enlightenment — 2020 International Powder Painting Masters Exhibition


Curated by Yang Hui, director of the Ming Museum of Fine Arts, this exhibition selects powder painting works from 35 renowned artists worldwide. It aims to explore methods and pathways for presenting powder painting art in the contemporary context, allowing more people to participate in and experience the unique charm of powder painting.



Exhibition Information

General Producer 丨Wu Weishan

Host 丨Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee

Academic Host 丨The Chinese Urban Sculpture Artists Association

Organizer 丨Suzhou Industrial Park Publicity Department (Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau)、Suzhou Industrial Park Federation of Literary and Art Circles

Partners 丨CMC inc.

Special Sponsors 丨Yanlord Land Group Limited

Execution Unit 丨SIP Public Cultural Center、Harmony Group


Participating Artists
(In no particular order)
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