Art Attack: A Christmas Arts Award Story
China says “Ho, ho, ho” to some of its arty citizens for being on the nice list, giving 23 artists from greater China a big pat on the back for cultural services rendered. Who won awards? Read on to find out about that and other warm, holiday fun you can have this week.
According to Jing Daily, this marked the first year China has endeavored to hand out comprehensive “China Arts Awards.” And apparently, selecting the award winners took the entire year to do. Now, just in time for Christmas, the winners are announced, but let me just say it takes a whole lot of Googling just to figure out why these people matter.
Among the 23 names, only two were immediately recognizable: Lang Lang and Jackie Chan. Yawn. The rest? Even bigger yawns. In fact, almost the entire list is filled with classical painters, old scholars, and even anti-Japanese propaganda filmmakers. And to be perfectly honest, I got lazy and bored halfway through Googling the list, so I can’t even tell you what accomplishments some of the other names are attached to. You can check for yourself at the link above.
One tip of the hat, however, goes to award recipient Han Meilin. He’s best known for designing the Fuwas (or Beijing Friendlies, as they were internationally known) of 2008 Olympic fame, and apparently he had his wrist tendons cut during the Cultural Revolution. Creating strange yet lovable cartoon animals to win international hearts for your nation after an experience like that? Now that’s heroism. Somebody get that man a prize. Oh wait, they already did.
Also on for this week: a special Christmas edition of Food, Film & Friends, hosted by our friends at Electric Shadows. Learn to cook winter comfort foods then settle in for the boyish charm of A Christmas Story. And there’s really no better time to enjoy the grandeur of a huge theater than during the holidays. Swan Lake is on at the NCPA, as is The Hunchback of Notre Dame: The Musical at the Beijing Exhibition Theater.
For a grittier way to celebrate the season, check out Jia Zhangke’s 24 City at Culture Yard.
Or, you know, celebrate (or don't) however you like. Just be safe out there. You know what they all say: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
Event details below:
Dec 24
Film: 24 City
Jia Zhangke’s pseudo-documentary gets down and dirty with development in Chengdu. Reservation required; email contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 25 (includes soft drinks and popcorn). 7pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)
Dec 25
Food, Film & Friends: Christmas Edition
Learn to cook some winter comfort foods, then settle in for a screening of A Christmas Story, the 80s romp about Ralphie’s undying hope for finding a BB gun under the tree. RMB 240, RMB 200 (members), RMB 30 (screening only). 5pm (cooking), 7.30pm (screening). The Hutong (159 0104 6127; see Living directory)
Piano: Richard Clayderman
The French John Tesh performs a special Christmas concert. RMB 180-2,011. 7.30pm. Great Hall of the People (6309 6156)
Dec 26-27
Ballet: Swan Lake
One of the National Ballet of China’s first productions, Swan Lake is back for its holiday run. RMB 100-680. 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)
Dec 27-30
Musical: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The show based on Victor Hugo’s novel holds the Guinness World Record for most successful first year of any musical ever. RMB 280-1,680. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater (6835 4455)
Photo: Flickr use JCTennis.com
