Master and disciples

Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) is a figure of luminosity in the 20th-century art scene, who left an oeuvre that showcases his mastery of various subjects and themes, and is well-versed in both figurative and abstract styles. Zhang is also known for his social skills that won him an extended circle of friends and disciples by which he increased his fan base.

Zhang built a studio named Dafengtang with his brothers to take in students, many of which later grew to be successful artists. A long-term exhibition at Tianjin Museum is dedicated to the role of Dafengtang in shaping the art landscape of the 20th century.

On display are over 80 paintings by Zhang, his disciples from home and abroad and their students, including He Haixia and Tian Shiguang, two artists of great reputation.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays.62 Pingjiang Dao, Hexi district, Tianjin. 022-8388-3000.

Eternal spiral

The 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once, which won Michelle Yeoh an Academy Award for Best Actress, also spotlighted its poster designer James Jean. Born in Taiwan, Jean was 3 years old when he moved to the United States with his family. He has since created a mythological world of drawings, paintings and installations that feature mind-bending scenes and energetic colors.

After traveling to Shanghai, Chengdu in Sichuan province and Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Jean brings his thrilling show Eternal Spiral IV to Beijing's Today Art Museum until Nov 10.

It gives the audience a tour of his mind and how diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences have shaped his vision of the world and his art.

His study of colors, including videos showing how he shades colors layer upon layer with great patience, and his latest painting highlight the enigmatic, ever-spiraling world he has created.

10 am-6 pm, closed on Mondays.32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5876-0600.

Weather front

Since 2009, Moon Kyung-won and Jeon Joon-ho, two artists from South Korea, have been collaborating on works that show the power of art transcending barriers of language and culture, creating resonance among audiences. Their joint exhibition Weather Station, currently held at Hyundai Motor Studio Beijing, embarks on a journey that inspires imagination, widens vision and offers thought on the future of human society.

The exhibition discusses the fierce challenges humans face amid climate change, which has posed threats to the environment, economic development and social stability. The works present a cross-disciplinary method to show the possibilities art integrating with technology and promoting social progress. The exhibition runs until Feb 9, 2025.

10 am-7:30 pm, closed the first Monday of the month. E-1, 798 Art Zone, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5810-1088.