Art Attack: Inside the Beijing Design Triennial, Indie Flicks, Christian Bale's Funny Face and More

As we head into the National Day celebrations, we’ve got more design exhibits to see, indie films ranging from dark to inspiring to laugh-out-loud funny, photography workshops and more to look forward to. That’s if you’re not already committed to creating a nest in your couch, from which you will watch as many new episodes of your fave TV shows as possible (if only Walking Dead were starting just a few weeks earlier …)

Alongside Beijing Design Week (which we’ve covered for you here and here), the city also planned Beijing’s first ever International Design Triennial, manifested mostly in an exhibit at the National Museum of China called “Ren: Good Design.”

We give you an inside look at the entire exhibit on our gallery, but we also got a chance to talk a bit with the curators behind the Swiss exhibit, called “The Good Guys.” (Four other mini-exhibits were hosted by France, Italy, Hong Kong and the UK.) Tristan Kobler’s and Barbara Holzer’s show representing Switzerland is a delight, featuring an abstract dragon built with over 600,000 chopsticks which winds around and supports over 400 design pieces.

Holzer and Kobler were committed to highlighting designers who use recycled materials and sustainable and local production. These are, as the exhibit title suggests, the “good guys” in our battle against thoughtless consumerism and waste. They hail from all over the world, but Chinese designers made up 30% of the exhibit. As Holzer pointed out large prints of architectural works by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects and Shanghai-based firm Neri + Hu, she told us, “We believe there are younger firms in China that can compete with the best of what’s happening globally.” Exciting stuff.

Also, get ready for the Beijing International Movie Festival, which takes place Oct 9-16. We’ve given you a sneak peek in our new October issue (p56), but watch our blog for more info and comments from the directors.

And now, for some news: According to the Shanghaiist, Kiss Me, Kate has been pulled in Shanghai due to its fairly dismal performance here in Beijing. Is this due to the Cole Porter musical lacking marketing muscle? Or just lacking music from Abba, like the comparatively successful Mamma Mia? Ah, the great mysteries of life.

Next up, Zhang Yimou’s film about the terrors that befell Nanjing in 1937 has been renamed Flowers of War and is being shopped around (most notably in Toronto and Shanghai) to distributors. China’s also submitting the movie, starring Christian Bale, as their Best Foreign Language Film entry for the Oscars. Speaking of Mr. Bale, check out the facial expression the internet won’t stop talking about (photo, above). You, O savvy readers of The Beijinger, surely have insight into what complex set of thoughts and emotions the Batman is trying to convey? Share your thoughts below.

Meanwhile, at the Bat Cave … OK, not the Bat Cave, just 798. Last week the art world was abuzz with the news that Phil Tinari, curator and editor-in-chief of Leap Magazine, would be taking over Jerome Sans’ role as director of the UCCA. We congratulate him on this new appointment and breathe a sigh of relief at what is surely a sign of the museum NOT closing down. Check out the UCCA's three new exhibits, just opened last weekend, and see what the man at the top has on his bookshelf.

Take a look below for other events coming up, and enjoy your October holidays!

Sep 30-Oct 2
Ballet: Swan Lake
The Soviet National Ballet puts on the be¬loved classic, followed with a “Ballet Gala.” RMB 180-1280. 7.30pm. Tian Qiao Theater (8315 6300)

Oct 6
Piano: Angela Hewitt
The Queen of Bach brings the German composer “bach” to life. RMB 80-480. NCPA Concert Hall (6655 0000)

Oct 8 & 15
Photography Workshop: Seeing People and the Space Around Them
Anja Hitzenberger leads two sessions, including a shoot through Caochangdi, an assignment and final critique. 15 spots available; reserve at workshops. threeshadows@gmail.com. RMB 500 (for both sessions). 9.30am-4.30pm. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre (6432 2663)

Oct 9
Electric Shadows Shorts: Community
Shorts about how people live with each other. RMB 30. 4pm. Riverbank Bar and Café (6506 8277; see Nightlife directory)

Film: Eat Drink Man Woman
Ang Lee’s refreshing take on love, sex and the family meal. To reserve: registration@mandarin-plus.org. Free. Time TBD. Mandarin Plus (5785 3361)

Oct 14
Meet the Filmmaker: Geng Jun
Watch Youth, about youngsters dealing with life, love and death in Heilongjiang, followed by Q+A with the director. RMB 80, RMB 50 (Culture Yard students, pre-sale). 8pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Photos: by Marilyn Mai and from The Hollywood Reporter