Huang Rui’s 1979 painting, The Guitar’s Story, top row, right, and his 1980 painting, Yuanmingyuan: Freedom, top row, left, are displayed in his living room. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Paintings and photo exhibitions

In addition to Huang’s paintings, sculptures and art installations, the studio is also hosting a documentary photo exhibit about the avant-garde Stars Exhibition in 1979, an enlightening period in Chinese contemporary art after the country’s reform and opening-up. Photographers Li Xiaobin and Chi Xiaoning captured the gaze in people’s eyes and excitement on their faces when they were offered a rare chance to look at pioneering paintings and sculptures on the streets.

In upcoming days, Huang Rui White Cloud House is also expected to host public education acts such as plays, dancing, film screening and seminars. It will also cooperate with the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation to showcase the research works of Luo Zhewen, a late Chinese pioneer scholar in cultural relic protection.

Through such activities, the art studio said they hope to bridge the gap between art and life and to promote cooperation between different art forms and cultures.

With the development of urban infrastructure, however, the future of the art studio is now uncertain.

At Friday’s news conference, Huang said the art space is facing dismantlement, as an extended high-speed railway line will be built nearby.

He is not sure when or whether the place would be finally taken down, but the 65-year-old artist said whether it’s in “six months, three months or one day,” they are trying to save the place they consider a spiritual shelter in people’s lives. Negotiations with local authorities are underway, and the studio management is also looking for funds in order to relocate and rebuild.

If you go:
10 am – 5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays. Huang Rui Cloud House, No 16 yard, Huantie Street, Zhuangyuan West Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing.