Maxime Biou, a recipient of the 2020 Yishu 8 Young French Artist Award, is holding a solo exhibition in Beijing.

Biou, born in France in 1993, is based in Paris. He graduated from the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 2019 and the following year he won the Yishu 8 Young French Artist Award.

Over the past few years, he has engaged in artistic residencies in cities such as Madrid, Avignon, and Nantes, showcasing his creations in exhibitions held in prominent locations like Paris, Venice, and Arles.

In October, Biou embarked on his residency in Beijing. Within a month, he toured iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, and the Great Wall. He also explored exhibitions showcasing the works of young Chinese artists in the 798 Art Zone. Yet, what truly fascinated him was the hutong where he chose to reside.

Biou skillfully captures the essence of the hutong life on canvas in this exhibition. Displayed are four canvas oil paintings where Biou employs his distinctive brushwork to portray the nuances of time, light, scenery, and objects within the small alleys.

Christine Cayol, founder of Yishu 8, said that Biou enjoyed the vibrant nights of Beijing, where he illustrates his perceptions, conjectures, and reflections on life.

The exhibition runs until Dec 10.