Introduction

The CAFAM Biennale is organized by the Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum (CAFAM) in Beijing, one of China's leading institutions for contemporary art. Initiated in 2011, the biennale serves as a critical platform for international artistic exchange and the presentation of innovative contemporary practices.

With a focus on fostering dialogue between Chinese and international artists, the CAFAM Biennale addresses pressing global issues through the lens of contemporary art. It plays a significant role in the Chinese contemporary art ecosystem, attracting artists, curators, and art professionals from around the world.

Narrative & Themes

The CAFAM Biennale has developed a reputation for presenting thematically coherent exhibitions that engage with contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. Each edition is guided by a specific curatorial framework that responds to current artistic trends and global concerns.

Previous editions have explored themes such as the impact of technology on society, cultural identity in a globalized world, and the role of art in social transformation. The biennale often privileges experimental and research-based artistic practices, showcasing works that challenge conventional approaches to art-making and exhibition formats.

The biennale's location in Beijing positions it within the vibrant Chinese contemporary art scene while fostering international connections. This dual focus allows the CAFAM Biennale to serve as an important bridge between Chinese artistic practices and global contemporary art discourses.

History & Context

The inaugural CAFAM Biennale was launched in 2011 under the title "Super-Organism," exploring the relationship between individual creativity and collective intelligence. Since then, the biennale has established itself as an important event in the Chinese and East Asian contemporary art calendar.

The biennale was conceived as part of CAFAM's mission to promote contemporary art education and research. As an academic museum, CAFAM brings a distinctive scholarly approach to the biennale format, often incorporating symposia, workshops, and publications as integral components of each edition.

Exhibition Venues

The Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum serves as the primary venue for the CAFAM Biennale. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the museum building offers versatile exhibition spaces capable of accommodating diverse artistic practices, from traditional media to large-scale installations and digital works.

In recent editions, the biennale has expanded beyond the main museum to incorporate additional venues throughout Beijing, including alternative spaces, historical sites, and public areas. This distributed exhibition model encourages visitors to explore different parts of the city while engaging with contemporary art in varied contexts.