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Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024|F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2024 (China, Shanghai) | SAIC Shanghai International Circuit
Apr 19–Apr 21, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024|F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2024 is set to take place in the vibrant city of Shanghai, China. This prestigious event will be held at the renowned SAIC Shanghai International Circuit, a track that spans 5.451 kilometers and promises an exhilarating experience for both drivers and spectators alike. From April 19th to April 21th, racing enthusiasts will witness 56 laps of high-speed action, as the world’s top drivers compete for glory in the F1 Grand Prix.
The Shanghai International Circuit is no stranger to hosting international events, and its commitment to excellence is evident in its continuous collaboration with the FIA. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, such as digital 3D, into the circuit’s renovation and maintenance processes, the circuit ensures a thrilling racing experience for all.
In addition to the adrenaline-fueled races, the F1 2024 Chinese Grand Prix will feature an exciting new addition – the Music Carnival. This activity allows spectators to immerse themselves in the world of pop-music.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event that combines speed, precision, and entertainment. Join us at the Formula 1 Grand Prix 2024|Chinese Grand Prix 2024 in Shanghai.
Formula 1 | Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) | Apr 21st | Shanghai International Circuit
Apr 21, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
Excitement is brewing for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, set to take place at the prestigious Shanghai International Circuit on April 21, 2024. This highly anticipated event will showcase top-tier racing talent from around the globe as they compete for glory on the renowned track located at 2000 Yi Ning Lu, Jiading Qu, Shanghai Shi, China. The Chinese Grand Prix is a must-see for all motorsport enthusiasts, offering a thrilling experience that combines speed, skill, and adrenaline in a spectacular display of automotive prowess. As one of the highlights of the racing calendar, this event promises to deliver heart-stopping moments and unforgettable memories for all who attend. Mark your calendars and get ready to witness the sheer power and precision of the world's best drivers as they navigate the twists and turns of the Shanghai International Circuit in pursuit of victory. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of the action at the Chinese Grand Prix!
XUYAN (Shanghai Signature Store) | Shanghai
Jan 1–Jan 26, 2025 (UTC+8)
Shanghai
"Xuyan" invites you to a feast of emperors, taking you through three thousand years. Taste delicacies, dance and music - the perfect combination of banquet, food, etiquette and music presents an immersive palace feast as if you were in ancient times. Go to "Xuyan" to explore the beauty of ancient times, enjoy a cultural feast, drink with history, and talk with friends.
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Sleep No More | Shanghai
Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025 (UTC+8)
Shanghai
About Immersive Theatre
The concept of "immersive drama" originated in the UK. Unlike traditional drama, the audience no longer sits in fixed seats to watch the performers on the stage, but moves freely in a theatre space, actively explores the plot, and fully immerses themselves in the theatre situation. "Sleep No More" is a classic work.
aboutSleep No More,Shanghai
The Shanghai version of Sleepless Night is set in the McKinnon Hotel in the 1930s. This mysterious 5-story building in the center of Shanghai has more than 90 theatrical spaces, more than 3,000 drawers, and movie-level stage design. The McKinnon Hotel is a space-time intertwined with reality and dreams. Entering the McKinnon Hotel, the audience puts on a white ghost mask to become a ghost, freely explores the space, touches the furnishings and props in the hotel at will, feels the smell of different music, and closely follows the performers to feel the joys and sorrows of the characters, creating a unique experience in the epic story.
summary of the story
Adapted from Shakespeare's Macbeth, it is a tragedy about power and jealousy. Under the instigation of three wizards and his wife, the ambitious Scottish general Macbeth murdered his colleague Banquo, King Duncan, and the noble Macbeth and his children, and was eventually deserted by his friends and relatives. As the only version of Sleepless Night in Asia, the Shanghai version incorporates elements of The Legend of the White Snake and Rebecca.
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China International Medical Tourism Shanghai Fair 2024 | Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
Apr 25–Apr 27, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
The China International Medical Tourism Shanghai Fair 2024 will highlight the advancements in the health industry of the new era, with a particular focus on international medicine. This event will serve as a platform to showcase the latest innovations and developments in the field of healthcare, aiming to promote medical tourism and cross-border collaborations. The fair will take place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) located at Century Park, Pudong, China, 201203 from April 25 to April 27, 2024. Professionals, experts, and stakeholders from around the world will gather to exchange knowledge, insights, and expertise in the medical tourism sector. Join us at this prestigious event to explore the opportunities and trends shaping the future of international medicine and healthcare.
"ERA Intersection of Time" Performance | Shanghai Circus World
Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025 (UTC+8)
Shanghai
The multimedia theatrical spectacular “ERA Intersection of Time” has been performed since its debut at Shanghai Circus World in September 2005. It is unique and comparable to a Broadway musical. Shanghai Circus World is a large, permanent, indoor circus located in the north of the city near Shanghai's Daning Lingshi Park. The circus, with its unique golden roof, has become one of Shanghai's most well-known landmarks. “ERA Intersection of Time” provides a wonderful insight into China's ancient culture and civilization. The 90-minute performance shows not only artistic skills, but also creativity. Aided by multimedia including vision, original live music, sound effects, and lighting, you will feel yourself transported in every scene.
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Chinese Super League | Shanghai Port v Shanghai Shenhua (Shanghai) | Pudong Football Stadium
Apr 27, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
On April 27, 2024, the football fans in Shanghai are in for a thrilling showdown as Shanghai Port takes on Shanghai Shenhua at the iconic Pudong Football Stadium. This highly anticipated match between Shanghai's top teams promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Located in the vibrant city of Shanghai, the Pudong Football Stadium is set to host this epic battle, drawing in crowds from all corners of the city. With its prime location in Pudong, Shanghai, China, the stadium provides the perfect backdrop for this intense clash of titans. Football enthusiasts can expect a riveting display of talent and teamwork as the players from Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua face off on the field. Don't miss out on this electrifying event that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Experience the passion and excitement of Shanghai Port v Shanghai Shenhua live in action at the Pudong Football Stadium.
Chinese Super League | Shanghai Shenhua v Beijing Guoan (Shanghai) | Shanghai Stadium
Apr 13, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
The highly anticipated sports event, Shanghai Shenhua v Beijing Guoan, is set to take place at the iconic Shanghai Stadium on April 13, 2024. This clash between two titans of Chinese football promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and spectators alike. Located at 1111 Caoxi N Rd, WanTiGuan, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200000, the Shanghai Stadium provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting matchup. The energy and excitement surrounding this event are palpable, with both teams gearing up to give it their all on the field. Football enthusiasts from all corners are eagerly awaiting this showdown, where skills will be put to the test and strategies will be executed with precision. As the countdown to the event begins, the air is filled with a sense of anticipation and enthusiasm. Make sure to mark your calendars and secure your tickets to witness Shanghai Shenhua v Beijing Guoan live in action at the Shanghai Stadium.
Chinese Super League | Shanghai Shenhua v Wuhan Three Towns (Shanghai) | Shanghai Stadium
Apr 9, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
Mark your calendars for the epic showdown between Shanghai Shenhua and Wuhan Three Towns at the prestigious Shanghai Stadium on April 9, 2024. This highly anticipated sports event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing top-tier talent and fierce competition. The clash between these two powerhouse teams is set to be a memorable experience for all spectators. Located at 1111 Caoxi N Rd, WanTiGuan, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200000, Shanghai Stadium provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting matchup. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as the teams battle it out on the field. Don't miss your chance to witness Shanghai Shenhua v Wuhan Three Towns live in action. Get your tickets now and be a part of this unforgettable sporting event.
Luxe Pack Shanghai 2024 | Shanghai Exhibition Center
Apr 10–Apr 11, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
Luxe Pack Shanghai 2024, the premier tradeshow for professionals in luxury product packaging, is a must-attend event for those in the fragrances-cosmetics, jewelry-watches, gourmet food, wine and spirits, tobacco products, and tableware industries. Held at the prestigious Shanghai Exhibition Center in Shanghai, China, Luxe Pack Shanghai offers a unique platform for producers of packaging and raw materials for luxury goods to showcase their latest innovations, forge valuable connections, and secure lucrative deals.
With a focus on creating a comfortable and sophisticated environment, Luxe Pack Shanghai 2024 provides a differentiated and selective B2B fair experience. This highly anticipated event enables industry professionals to stay ahead of the curve, gaining valuable insights into emerging trends and cutting-edge packaging solutions.
Mark your calendars for Luxe Pack Shanghai 2024, taking place from April 10th to April 11th. Located at 1000 Yan'an Middle Rd, Jingan Qu, Shanghai, China, this prestigious event promises to deliver an unparalleled networking and business opportunity for luxury packaging professionals. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of the industry's most esteemed gathering.
ICMD 2024 | National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai (NECC)
Apr 11–Apr 14, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
The ICMD 2024, to be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai (NECC) in Shanghai from April 11 to April 14, will showcase a wide array of cutting-edge products and services in component manufacturing and design. Attendees can explore a diverse exhibit featuring x-ray components, power supplies, high-frequency transmitters, instruments, batteries, electric heater bands, and more. This event serves as a premier platform for industry professionals to stay updated on the latest advancements and innovations in the field. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading experts, discover new technologies, and network with like-minded individuals. Join us at ICMD 2024 to gain valuable insights and broaden your knowledge in component manufacturing and design.
International Congress of Ophthalmology and Optometry China 2024 | Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (CECIS)
Apr 12–Apr 13, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
Since its inception, COOC has remained dedicated to its core mission of providing exceptional clinical services. The International Congress of Ophthalmology and Optometry China 2024 is a testament to COOC's unwavering commitment to fostering academic exchange among clinicians. Much like a fine wine that improves with age, this congress continues to garner increased attention and support due to COOC's steadfast focus on meeting the educational needs of clinicians. The event, scheduled to take place in Shanghai at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (CECIS) from April 12th to 13th, 2024, will provide a platform for professionals in the field to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations. Join us at this prestigious gathering to be a part of a transformative experience in the world of ophthalmology and optometry.
Chinese Super League | Shanghai Port v Shandong Taishan (Shanghai) | Pudong Football Stadium
Apr 14, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
The highly anticipated sports event, Shanghai Port v Shandong Taishan, is set to take place at the prestigious Pudong Football Stadium in Shanghai on April 14, 2024. Football enthusiasts and supporters of both teams are gearing up to witness this thrilling showdown between Shanghai Port and Shandong Taishan. The stadium, located in the heart of Pudong, Shanghai, China, will be the battleground where these two formidable teams will compete for victory. As the teams prepare to face off on the field, spectators can expect an electrifying atmosphere and top-tier football action. The clash between Shanghai Port and Shandong Taishan promises to be a spectacle worth watching, with both sides showcasing their skills and determination to secure a win. Mark your calendars for this momentous occasion and witness football greatness unfold at the Shanghai Port v Shandong Taishan match.
Formula 1 | Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) | Apr 19th | Shanghai International Circuit
Apr 19, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
The Chinese Grand Prix, a renowned sports event held at the prestigious Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, is a must-see for racing enthusiasts worldwide. The event, scheduled for April 19, 2024, promises an exhilarating display of speed, skill, and excitement. Located at 2000 Yi Ning Lu, Jiading Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, the Shanghai International Circuit offers a world-class venue for drivers to showcase their talent and compete for victory. As one of the most anticipated races on the Formula 1 calendar, the Chinese Grand Prix attracts a global audience and top-tier drivers vying for the championship title. Don't miss out on the action-packed thrills and adrenaline-fueled races that the Chinese Grand Prix has to offer. Mark your calendars and witness history in the making at this prestigious event in the heart of Shanghai.
Formula 1 | Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) | Apr 20th | Shanghai International Circuit
Apr 20, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
The Chinese Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated events in the world of motorsports, will take place at the prestigious Shanghai International Circuit on April 20, 2024. Situated in the vibrant city of Shanghai, this iconic race attracts fans and drivers from all corners of the globe. The Shanghai International Circuit, located at 2000 Yi Ning Lu, Jiading Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, is renowned for its challenging layout and fast straights, making it a favorite among both drivers and spectators. The event promises a thrilling experience for all attendees, with adrenaline-pumping races and a vibrant atmosphere. As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build for the Chinese Grand Prix, where the best drivers in the world will compete for glory on the track. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this electrifying event that showcases the pinnacle of motorsport prowess in Shanghai.
Shanghai International Super Capacitor Industry Fair 2024 | Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
Apr 24–Apr 26, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
The Shanghai International Super Capacitor Industry Fair 2024, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from April 24 to April 26, will showcase a wide range of solutions catering to various industries. These solutions include support for electric and hybrid vehicles, utility and renewable energy, portable electronics, motor trains, smart grid, and telecommunications. Attendees can explore cutting-edge technologies and innovations in these sectors, making it an essential event for professionals seeking the latest advancements in supercapacitor applications. The event's focus on these key areas underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable energy practices and facilitating the transition to more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. With a comprehensive range of offerings, the Shanghai International Super Capacitor Industry Fair 2024 promises to be a valuable platform for industry stakeholders looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of energy storage and power management.
IESD China 2024 | Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (CECIS)
Apr 24–Apr 26, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
IESD China 2024, the International Exhibition on Surfactant & Detergent, is a prestigious event dedicated to promoting and advancing the cleaning industries. Set to take place in the vibrant city of Shanghai, the exhibition will be hosted at the esteemed Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing (CECIS). Located at 65 Zhongjiang Rd, Putuo Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, this state-of-the-art venue provides the perfect setting for industry professionals to come together and explore the latest innovations, trends, and advancements in the cleaning sector.
Scheduled to span from April 24th to April 26th, 2024, IESD China 2024 offers a unique platform for companies and individuals involved in the cleaning industries to showcase their products, network with industry leaders, and establish valuable business connections. This event is not only an opportunity for professionals to stay updated with the latest industry developments but also a chance to gain insights into emerging technologies and market trends.
With a focus on providing a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and business growth, IESD China 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the cleaning industries. Join industry experts, thought leaders, and key stakeholders as they gather in Shanghai to explore the limitless potential of the surfactant and detergent sectors. Mark your calendars and be part of this prestigious event that is poised to shape the future of the cleaning industries.
China International Occupational Safety & Health Goods Expo 2024 | Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)
Apr 25–Apr 27, 2024 (UTC-5)ENDED
Shanghai
The China International Occupational Safety & Health Goods Expo 2024, held at the prestigious Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Pudong, is a highly regarded brand trade show. This influential event serves as a centralized platform for showcasing a wide range of quality goods and enterprises related to occupational safety and health. With its comprehensive display of fine products and businesses, the expo has garnered a reputation for excellence in the industry. From April 25th to April 27th, 2024, professionals, experts, and industry leaders from all over the world will convene at this event to explore the latest advancements, innovations, and solutions in the field of occupational safety and health. The China International Occupational Safety & Health Goods Expo 2024 provides a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders in this crucial sector. Mark your calendars for this significant event, and join the key players shaping the future of occupational safety and health.
Diamond League | Diamond League China 2 (Shanghai) | Shanghai Stadium
Apr 27, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
The Diamond League China 2, set to take place on April 27, 2024, in the bustling city of Shanghai, is a highly anticipated sports event that will showcase top-tier athletes from around the world. The prestigious Shanghai Stadium, located at 1111 Caoxi N Rd, WanTiGuan, Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200000, will host this thrilling competition. As one of the most significant events in the world of sports, the Diamond League China 2 promises to deliver a riveting display of athleticism and sportsmanship. Fans and enthusiasts alike can look forward to witnessing awe-inspiring performances and record-breaking feats at this iconic venue. Mark your calendars for a day filled with excitement and cheer as athletes compete for glory and honor in the heart of Shanghai. Be sure not to miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness sports history in the making at the Diamond League China 2.
Willi Siber: Baroque Pearls | Shanghai
Mar 9–May 26, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
Willi Siber
(Germany, b. 1949)
Born in Upper Swabia, the center of Baroque art history, Willi Siber studied art history at the University of Stuttgart, Germany. His creations inherited the fluidity, theatricality, and splendid visual effects of Baroque art also incorporated a contemporary perspective and nature. Siber once said "My creations stem from change." Over the long artist career, he is known for abstract objects , installations, sculptures. Using wood, steel, epoxy resin, exploring the malleability of materials, focusing not just on the aesthetic expression of materials he constantly research, validation, and overturning of established perceptions, breaking through the limitations of materials. His playfulness with colors further highlights his concise style. Willi Siber's exhibitions have spanned across Europe and the United States, his works permanently collected by German Federal Parliament, the German Embassy in Argentina, Deutsche Bank, Staatsgalerie Stuttgart, Städtisches Kunstmuseum in Singen, and private art museums Kunstwerk Sammlung Klein, Museum Ritter and private collectors worldwide. In 2023 Siber received honor award "Oberschwäbischer Kunstpreis" in Germany.
Xavier Veilhan: Sculpture Park | Shanghai
Mar 15–May 25, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
Veilhan, whose practice encompasses sculpture, painting, installation, and photography, situates himself at the nexus of artisanal craftsmanship and technological innovation, challenging and extending the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums into the digital era. His work critically engages with the concepts of representation and the physical manifestation of ideas, driven by a continuous pursuit of innovation and experimental rigor.
When visiting the exhibition, visitors are greeted by blurred forms of human- shaped sculptures of varying heights and set against the backdrop of the artist's archetypical acrylic portraits on birch plywood, posits a critical counterpoint to the contemporary culture's voracious demand for high- resolution imagery. Whether through the tangible medium of sculpture or the ephemeral realm of images, Veilhan evokes a dreamlike aura of human presence, reminiscent of spectral figures haunting the urban environment, thereby challenging the primacy of pixelated precision in the current visual paradigm. Moreover, a series of small bird paintings ( series, 2022-2023), recurring motifs within his work, summon the presence of non-human agency, articulating not only a sense of physical scale but also imbuing the works with allegorical significance.
Central to the exhibition is (2022), a monumental circular kinetic sculpture crafted from fiberglass, aluminum, and stainless steel, suspended from the ceiling. Its bold and compelling form engages in dialogue with the architectural dimensions of the gallery space, manifesting Veilhan's engagement with themes of modernity, technological progress, and mechanical systems. This 3.7-meter-long mechanical artwork, featuring colored lacquered discs, cryptically marks time with the activation of a metallic sphere within its apparatus. Veilhan's body of work is infused with a penchant for invention, a fascination with aerodynamic qualities, and a tribute to the lineage of kinetic art from the Futurism movement to the 1960s.
Noticeably, in , a virtual reality work represents a significant moment in his exploration of unconventional exhibition methods, particularly advancing the examination of how visibility operates and the processes by which ideas are materialized. offers a semi-retrospective look at Veilhan's extensive career, combining five key elements from his public sculptures, the mobiles, project, light-based machinery, and early environmental works like () and (). These elements are not merely digitized but are re-imagined and placed within a virtual setting that invites the viewer into an immersive, interactive experience. This shift from traditional man-made forms to a digitized environment also highlights the evolving relationship between art and its audiences.
Initiated nearly two years ago, the VR experience offers an unparalleled opportunity for viewers to navigate a succession of relational environments, effectively functioning as a hyper-textual space that challenges conventional notions of the "movie theater" and prompts a critical reassessment of our perceptions of spatiality, form, and the participatory role of the audience within the art experience. In the space titled "Island of Dogs," viewers are confronted with a monumental canine sculpture featuring a mysterious blue portal that ushers them into an exhibition realm of static sculptures. This entrance, however, marks merely the initial layer of a Russian Doll-like configuration, revealing a nested world that blurs the lines between reality and virtual fiction, a mise en abyme that contemplates the duality of public and private spheres through the contrasting textures of the dog's silky exterior and its complex internal matrix.
Progressing to "The Cité Radieuse," viewers are invited into a virtual iteration of Le Corbusier's iconic Marseille residential complex (1947- 1952), where a blue cube on a yellow stage within a gymnasium serves as a portal to an unfolding scene. Entering the cube, the walls ascend to disclose an assembled audience, mirroring the gathering at the 2013 "Architectones" exhibition in the MAMO, the art center of the Cité Radieuse. This recursive staging and re-staging of modernist architectural spaces and their observers underscore human presence's silent yet profound influence on our collective psyche, often exerting a deeper psychological impact beneath our conscious awareness. Veilhan's engagement with filmmaking, traceable to his debut, "Le Film du Japon," intertwines personal narratives with architectural locales, situating the artist within a dialogue that bridges individual stories with constructed environments.
Furthermore, the soundscape curated by I: Cube for extends Veilhan's fascination with auditory experiences and their capacity to surpass the confines of the purely visual, a preoccupation manifest in his celebrated environmental installation at the 57th Venice Biennale. Within the ambit of , the soundtrack dynamically responds to the viewer's engagement and layering an additional psychological dimension over tangible and virtual environments. This aural intervention destabilizes the sleek modernist exteriors and the profound, often unavoidable, interior spaces' sensations, mirroring pop music's pervasive influence and cultural resonances.
Veilhan's oeuvre navigates the visible and invisible territories, crafting an immersive realm that prompts a reconsideration of prior works through the prism of our perceptual boundaries. This effort into realms beyond the human, articulating a fluid and open conceptualization of the body as a site of unforeseen encounters and narratives, diverges from established societal conventions and the static identities typically imposed. His exploration of virtual domains unveils our cognitive landscapes, resonating with Gilles Deleuze's philosophy of an "ethics of becoming not unworthy of the event," advocating for a posture of receptivity and engagement with the transformative potentials that beckon us.
The confluence of humanity and technology within the exhibition "Sculpture Park" encapsulates the intricate challenges and opportunities of navigating a world saturated with technological innovation. Coupled with the virtual reality experience, this new body of works collectively underscores the immense possibilities for augmenting human capability and comprehension while necessitating a vigilant awareness of how technology can contour, constrain, and define our perceptions and interactions.
Text by Yuan Fuca
The VR experience by Xavier Veilhan is commissioned by VIVE Arts, a global arts and technology initiative that supports artistic experimentation with nascent technologies, and developed by award-winning production company Atlas V.
About the artist
Xavier Veilhan, born in 1963, France, lives and works in Paris, France. Xavier Veilhan has since the late 1980s created an acclaimed body of work inspired by both formal classicism and high technology, including a range of mediums (sculpture, painting, installation, performance, video, and photography). His exhibitions question our perception and often generate an evolving ambulatory space in which the audience becomes an actor. For example, in Veilhan Versailles (2009), his series Architectones (2012-2014) or his proposition for the French Pavilion at the Biennale di Venezia, titled Studio Venezia (2017).
Xavier Veilhan’s work is often showcased in the public space, with sculptures occupying numerous cities across France and abroad, including Paris, Stockholm, New York, Shanghai and Seoul, among others. His work has been shown in various acclaimed institutions across the world, such as the Centre Georges Pompidou (Paris), Mamco (Geneva), the Phillips Collection (Washington), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), and MAAT (Lisbon).
Danielle Orchard: Is It Light Where You Are? | Shanghai
Mar 15–May 25, 2024 (UTC+8)ENDED
Shanghai
From her Massachussetts studio, Danielle Orchard paints quietly charged, domestic scenes of solitude. If there’s an immediate sense of familiarity to her paintings, it’s because she riffs on the great modern masters: Matisse, Picasso, Hopper. But, with a disruptive brush, she assimilates their symbolism only to reclaim reality through her own contemporary lens.
Central to Orchard’s practice are notions of the muse, represented as a reclining female nude throughout centuries of art history. Having previously life modelled herself, Orchard complicates traditional ideas of women as passive objects of desire. Instead, her sculpturally-formed figures – pictured from surprising viewpoints and often from above – are unposed, and unguarded. However, in this new series, women are curiously, and strikingly, absent. It’s as if the missing subject has just walked away from her dressing table, departed the kitchen table, or left her unmade bed, as is the case in (2024), from which the exhibition takes its title.
Illuminating the space is a glowing oil lamp, which has been lifted from a Balthus painting. Frequently taking such art historical references as her starting point, Orchard asks, ‘what could I add to this?’. On this occasion, the flame has attracted a fragile, white moth, bringing quiet tension to the empty bed scene in which there is no dreaming muse to be found within the sheets.
On the surface, Orchard’s sitter has evaded all depiction. Yet, as the artist points out, “The female protagonist is still present” throughout the series. She appears in a framed photograph, a lipstick-stained wine glass, a red jacket. With such signs of life, it’s as if she has just stepped outside of the frame, adding mystery to the tableaux she’s left for the viewer to interpret.
Removing bodies has also given Orchard the freedom to emphasise other psychological elements in these compositions, in which she has brought previously background items to the fore. Still life has always been important to the artist, who imbues common objects with drama and meaning, allowing them to convey emotion, as they do more than ever in this series of moments between events.
The table set theatrically for two in (2024) creates an eerie atmosphere. Placed on a crisp plain tablecloth are no forks, only knives, their sharp ends painted red. Is this jam or something more sinister? The viewer is left to wonder. A single, staining drop suggests there is more to this breakfast than first meets the eye. Served up on small plates, eggs hold yet more powerful symbolism, continuing an earlier theme from Orchard’s figurative works in which she used such iconography to address fertility. Yet, there is a timeless quality to her paintings, indicating that it is women’s experiences, more broadly, that she is interested in portraying.
In other images, still life objects stand in more directly for the female form. The human-sized tulips in (2024) have sprung to anthropomorphic life, blooming huge and heavy heads, which wilt as it rains outside. Meanwhile false eyelashes discarded in a small dish in (2024) act as a metonymic portrait, holding noirish potential.
Light,too,assumesametaphoricalroleinsideOrchard’srooms,playingon walls like thoughts inside the mind. Slicing through each of the lusciously painted scenes are geometric shadows and angular light patterns, their dividing lines seeming to represent half-remembered, half-told memories or dreams.
Having developed a more metaphysical and abstracted approach for this body of work, the artist has consciously sought to invoke “sensations of the dream” by making unusual colour choices, disorienting her viewers. The loud yellow walls of a bathroom, in which the taps have been left running, contrast with a bedroom painted hot pink. At times, she has added to ambiguity sources of artificial light, inviting questions about the time of day or night: is someone up early or late?
Orchard has also conjured notions of the uncanny and unease by casting symbolic creatures as sidekicks to the furtive heroines within her enigmatic interiors: a black cat stalks between several scenes, while a lifeless bird appears to have drowned in its own water bath in (2024), carrying the feel of a dark fairy tale.
In (2024), torn and overlapping drawings reveal chimeric faces in an open sketchbook. Formed by chance, these composite creatures invoke the surrealist artists who allowed images to emerge from automatic drawings or rubbings. Representative of the potential of the unbridled imagination, they also point to Orchard herself, a painter who stays up late to work.
Like her subjects, Orchard is not represented directly in the frame. Freeing women from all possibilities of a voyeuristic gaze, the artist reveals more about their interior lives. Painting psychological portraits – defined by an interplay of dark and light, the real and imagined, visible and hidden – she unsettles viewers’ expectations through disquieting narratives from, and about, the female perspective.
Text by Ruth Millington
Art historian, critic and author of
About the artist
Danielle Orchard was born in 1985 in Michigan City, IN, USA, now lives and works in Pelham, MA, USA. Nodding to the great painters of the modern era including Picasso and Matisse, Orchard’s paintings often reference their styles and subject by portraying female nudes in a more abstract manner; the figures are portrayed in multi-perspectival Analytic Cubist style or abbreviated otherwise into solid contours and saturated colors. As she tackles depiction plane by plane, or each abstract part that she sculpts with thick impasto, Orchard is exploring the female corporeal representation. While the concept of female nude finds itself deeply ingrained in art history as a muse and more recently being established as a subject of study, Orchard adds depth by infusing her own experiences as a female artist, having trained, posed, and even taught in life drawing classes.
In narratives ranging from art historical tropes to contemporary leisure activities, the viewers can expect to find scenes of familiarity in Orchard’s work. By using popular motifs, Orchard eliminates the viewers’ guesswork in discerning the subject, directing their attention to her mode of expression instead. As the backgrounds or accompanying objects echo the body language of the women, depicted with muted emotions, the artist invites the viewers to empathize and contemplate on the interiority of the models.