01 Opening of Dawn in the East

On May 10, 2026 local time, The 61st Venice Biennale Official Special Invitation Exhibition — Dawn in the East grandly opened in Venice, Italy. Nearly distinguished guests including participating artists, academic representatives, local officials, art critics, collectors and journalists attended the opening ceremony.

Mr. Claudio Giannini, President of the International Association for Renaissance Culture and Art of Italy, delivered a speech. He stated that the exhibition presents outstanding works by numerous Chinese artists featuring superb artistic attainments. More than an art gala, Dawn in the East serves as an in-depth dialogue transcending cultural and spiritual boundaries. He expressed the wish that art could act as a universal language linking Eastern and Western civilizations and illuminate the future through cultural exchange and mutual learning.

As Academic Director, Professor Saverio from the Venice Academy of Fine Arts and world-renowned art critic noted that the exhibition aims to reconnect humanity with nature, history with the future, and the East with the world via art, letting poetic sentiment, ideology and the spirit of freedom enlighten contemporary civilization. He commented that this event is far more than an art show, but a dialogue centering on civilization, spirit and creativity.

Mr. Mauro Macale, Chairman of UNESCO Italy, pointed out that UNESCO has always advocated respect, understanding and cooperation among diverse civilizations, with art standing as one of the core spiritual forces to advance such goals. Dawn in the East showcases the creative vitality of contemporary Chinese art and facilitates cross-regional, cross-cultural and cross-historical civilizational dialogues. In an era full of changes and challenges, it is more imperative than ever to build trust via culture and convey peace and humanistic values through art.

Artist representative Zhu Jiejun remarked that the most precious power of art lies in sincere emotional bonds between people. The Venice Biennale enables diverse cultures to meet, communicate and inspire one another. Art constantly reminds people that the essence of civilization lies in understanding rather than confrontation, and in spiritual resonance rather than dominance.

Excerpt from Speech by Chief Curator Zhang Hangxin

Dawn in the East embodies the Eastern perception of time — growing steadily and quietly, and shining enduringly throughout profound historical heritage.

Under the theme "Gilded Years, Pursuing the Future", the exhibition gathers over 60 overseas Chinese artists worldwide. Their works interpret the spiritual essence nurtured by Eastern civilization featuring subtlety, artistic blankness, restraint and steadiness, as well as delicate perception and inner tension towards relations, order and integrity. Some exhibits were hailed by the Associated Press, Time and Asian Art News last month as works reaching the world-class standard of contemporary art.

Against the backdrop of a decentralized global landscape with shifting strengths, we always value inclusive mutual learning. We keep close attention to major art events worldwide including the Venice Biennale, New York Biennale, and art activities in London, Paris, Berlin and Riyadh, actively expanding exchanges and cooperation. It is worth mentioning that works by participating artists such as He Gong and Zhu Zhenhong have been selected for the 2027 New York Biennale, and I am honored to serve as its co-curator.

Can diverse civilizations forge more stable, equal and creative dialogues to empower mutual development? It is exactly out of such reflection that Dawn in the East travels thousands of miles to Venice.

The exhibition consists of a group exhibition and multiple solo exhibition sections. The curatorial team sincerely hopes Western audiences can witness the vigorous development of modern Eastern art.

On-site Opening Highlights

Dawn in the East has been specially enlisted by the Venice Municipal Government as an official cultural event of the Venice City Festival.

02 Participating Artists of Dawn in the East

Ou Yang, Fang Lijun, Fei Jun, He Yunchang, Yuan Gong, Shu Qun, Cai Guoqiang, Chen Xi, Jiang Honglin, Zhu Jiejun, Peng Wei, He Gong, Zhong Biao, Yang Jinsong, Chen Yan, Feng Feng, Huang Jia, Gu Tao, Ma Dongmin, Chen Baoyang, Chen Ping, Jing Xiaolei, Wu Limin, Zhao Yifeng, Wei Tianyu, Zhao Mengge, Wu Maowen, Yi Ming, Chen Qingqing, Zhai Xiaoshi, Hu Junqiang, Shen Jingdong, Yu Cun, Zhang Xiaohong, Xu Ze, Sun Huawei, Zeng Hao, Pang Yongjie, Liu Jie, Wang Xiaochuan, Yan Jinsong, Wang Zhengduo, Chen Canrong, Zhou Kuwagu, Ma Zelin, Li Wei, Pang Liang, Zhang Jianhua, Zhu Zhenhong, Yu Hongyan, Dai Xi, Luo Zhangcai, Chen Guodong, Liu Derun & Li Yan, Chen Jinqing, Hu Shengping, Yue Yapeng, Liu Ming, Qu Xin, Li Tiejun, Su Xiewei, You Min, Dong Yao, Zhai Mofan, Li Zi, Wang Huaxiang, Wang Yigang, Shen Shubin, Mo Kan'an, Liu Sichen, Hu Youben

03 Exhibition Information of Dawn in the East

Curatorial Advisor: Claudio Giannini, President of Italy Art Road Association & President of Massa Biennale

Chief Curator: Zhang Hangxin

Academic Director: Professor Saverio, Venice Academy of Fine Arts, Internationally Renowned Art Critic

Exhibition Duration: May 10 – November 5, 2026 (Group & Solo Exhibitions)

Venue: Hall A (Palazzo Greco) & Building D, No.1 San Severo Island, Venice, Italy

Guided by:

UNESCO

World Organization for Cultural Diversity

Organizers:

Italy Art Road Association

International Association for Renaissance Culture and Art of Italy

Co-organizers:

Phidias (Hangzhou) International Cultural Development Co., Ltd.

Yika International

Academic & Media Partners:

Asian Art News (USA)

Strategic Supporters:

Contemporary Art Fund, Zhejiang International Collaborative Innovation Research Institute

American Academy of Asian Arts & Culture

Supporters:

Venice Municipal Government, Italy

Chinese Cultural Renaissance Industry Alliance

Florence Academy of Fine Arts

Venice Academy of Fine Arts

Italy-China International Culture Foundation

Italian Association of International Art Critics

Album Publication:

Co-published by Venice Municipal Department of Culture, Italy

Special Acknowledgements:

Organizing Committee of New York Biennale

TROY HOUSE Art Foundation, London

UK Contemporary Art Center, London

Volunteer Team of Venice Academy of Fine Arts, Italy