Art Attack: Ge You with Gary Locke, Rural China Doc and Irish Animation
The US China Forum on the Arts and Culture is happening as we speak, though most of us (the celebrity attendees included) still seem confused by just what it’s all about. Meanwhile, a documentary about health issues in rural China shows at Am Cham, and we get a peek at a beautifully illustrated Celtic legend.
In the greatest tease of all mankind, we were invited to attend a press briefing just prior to the big dinner that Alice Waters hosted at the US Embassy on Wednesday. Celebrity guests streamed through for photos and questions, and Chinese reporters just about passed out when actor Ge You showed up alongside Ambassador Gary Locke. Their hearts must have been bursting with unbridled love.
Meanwhile, the hot young Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming also came through. When Chinese reporters asked him why he’d accepted the invitation to the dinner, he replied, “Honestly, I really wanted to talk with Gary Locke. I hear he arrived in China carrying a backpack. I’d like to learn from him.”
(Also, his wife is gorgeous. Just sayin'.)
We’ll keep you posted on more of the happenings of the much ballyhooed but still bewildering event, including the talk this afternoon featuring Meryl Streep, Liu Ye and Chen Daoming. For more photos from the opening ceremony and press events (featuring food author Michael Pollan, filmmaker Joel Coen, novelist Amy Tan, chef Alice Waters, street dancer 'Lil Buck, and more), see our gallery here.
Meanwhile, this week, check out new exhibit openings at Alexander Ochs Galleries and White Space Beijing, catch the awesomely unique 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker, and enjoy a fine crop of varied film screenings at BC MOMA (a film set in Tibet), the American Chamber of Commerce (a documentary about China’s rural health issues) and Riverbank Bar and Cafe (an animation centered on Celtic legend). Details below.
Nov 18
Film: The Sun Beaten Path
A groom-to-be sets out on a pilgrimage to Lhasa after learning his mother has passed away. RMB 40, RMB 30 (students and seniors, RMB 25 (members). 7.30pm. BC MOMA (8438 8258)
Nov 19
Wang Qiang: Venus Hotel
Nov 19-Jan 15. In these new works, surreal compositions juxtapose the abstract with the strikingly real. Free. White Space Beijing (8456 2054)
Lu Song: Dawn Villa
Nov 19-Jan 22. Lu rebels against the perfectionist training of Chinese art in his series with oil and charcoal. Free. Alexander Ochs Galleries (8456 2054)
Cello: The 12 Cellists of the Berliner Philharmoniker
This unlikely ensemble struck its first chords in 1972 and always delights with its resonant sounds. RMB 180-680. 7.30pm. NCPA Concert Hall (6655 0000)
Film: Memoirs of a Geisha
The bittersweet story of women pulling themselves up by their bra straps. Reservation required: contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 25 (includes soft drinks and popcorn). 7pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)
Sunny Shadows: The Ancient Art of Chinese Shadow Play
Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center (CHP) gives a stunning performance of this traditional art. Price TBD. 4-5.30pm. Shichahai Shadow Art Hotel (8328 7846)
Nov 22
Film: Restoring the Light
The health problems faced by Ningxia’s rural poor and one doctor’s attempts to alleviate them. See Feature, p49. Free. 6.30pm. American Chamber of Commerce (8519 0800)
NB: This event was improperly listed in our November issue. The screening takes place on November 22, not November 21. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Nov 23
Film: The Secret of Kells
A Celtic legend drawn in the style of traditional Irish art. RMB 30 (includes coffee or tea). 7.30pm. Riverbank Bar and Café (6506 8277)
Photos: Marilyn Mai