On the afternoon of March 2, Embassy Session of the First International Contemporary Material Art Biennial, titled “Material Thinking” (hereinafter referred to as “the Biennial”), which was held at the Nanchizi Art Museum in Beijing. The event was hosted by Tsinghua University and organized by the Contemporary Art Institute of the Academy of Arts & Design and Tsinghua Latin America Center. Representatives from 13 countries’ embassies in China including Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, Peru and Latvia attended the event, joined by Peng Gang, Vice President of Tsinghua University, and chief planner of the Biennale who enunciated a speech.

Address by Peng Gang

Peng Gang expressed that it was a great honor for him to meet with officials and representatives of embassies in China for the exhibition in the quaint courtyard. In unison with the exhibition companion held at the Tsingtao Haitian View & Art Gallery, the biennial exhibited more than 140 pieces of works from over 50 countries and regions in both venues.

Despite the great difficulties brought by the pandemic, the organizing committee received enthusiastic support and participation from artists from all over the world, with the purpose of offering visitors could see a myriad of new ideas, and be charmed by the efforts to overcome the many obstacles encountered to persevere in the name of artistic purposes.

Peng Yang hopes that Tsinghua University will connect with artists and friends from various countries more frequently in the future, and looks forward for more peace and beauty brought by art that transcends linguistic and national boundaries.

Zhang Gan, Director of the Contemporary Art Institute of the Academy of Arts & Design and chief curator of the Biennale, introduced the exhibition to the attendees, and then explained the curatorial concept. He expressed that this “first edition” meant the beginning of a series of similar events for the future, and ambassadors, cultural counselors and diplomatic officials present, to help promote the exhibition, mentioned that artists from all countries will take an active part in it, so that the Biennale can continuously get better.

Address by Carlos Larrea

Carlos Larrea, Ambassador of Ecuador to China, added that it was an honor for him to speak at an event with special significance to cultural integration, and that cultural exchange is an important factor to deepen the friendship between the two parts.

Address by José Francisco Díaz Ulloa

José Francisco Díaz Ulloa, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. the Embassy of Colombia in China, expressed his pleasure to represent the Embassy of Colombia in this extraordinary exhibition event, and emphasized that art could play a transformative role to help build a more peaceful and just social environment.

Address by Gerardo Bugallo

Gerardo Bugallo, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of Spain in China, expressed that this is an exhibition explored several innovative ideas, and shared his perspective on the evolution of art, saying that art could return to original materials to avoid getting lost in the rapidness of technological waves.

Group photo

After the opening ceremony of the special event, the members of the diplomatic missions visited the exhibition, accompanied by volunteers from the Center for Global Competence Development at Tsinghua University, who explained the exhibits to them.

Event site