As the new year begins, Guangdong's art scene is already buzzing with fresh energy. From royal jewelry to modern visual installations, January offers a variety of shows that promise to inspire, provoke thought, and spark creativity. Whether you're a long-time art lover or just seeking a new cultural experience, there's something on display for everyone this month.
Blossoms and Blades: Treasures of the Mughal Court in 16-19 Centuries
繁花與利劍：16-19世紀莫臥兒宮廷珍寶展
The exhibition presents nearly 200 artifacts from the Mughal Empire, one of South Asia's most powerful and culturally rich dynasties, which ruled from the early 16th to the mid-19th century. Founded by Central Asian conquerors of Turko-Mongol descent, the empire unified large parts of the Indian subcontinent and became a hub for art, trade, and cross-cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
All the artifacts are being displayed in China for the first time, and over ten pieces are making their global debut. Visitors can see royal weapons, ceremonial objects, intricate miniature paintings, jeweled accessories, palace furnishings, and richly patterned carpets. Immersive displays, custom lighting, and carefully designed exhibition spaces reveal the fine craftsmanship and opulent aesthetics of each piece, allowing audiences to experience the grandeur of the Mughal courts.
Highlights from the exhibition (Photo: Shenzhen Museum)
Event Details
Shenzhen
Date: December 5, 2025–April 6, 2026
Venue: Shenzhen Museum (Jintian Road Branch)
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (last entry at 17:30; closed on Mondays, except public holidays)
Address: 4001 Jintian Road, Futian District
Tickets: Adult ¥78; Parent & Child Ticket (1 adult + 1 child aged 6–17) ¥98; Family Ticket (2 adults + 1 child aged 6–17) ¥130; Concession ¥40
Where to get tickets: Via the WeChat official account of "深圳博物馆" (pinyin: shen zhen bo wu guan)
Icelandic artist Sruli Recht's first solo exhibition in Asia - Lair: Relics for the Future
冰島藝術家Sruli Recht亞洲首展——墟溝：未來遺跡
Icelandic artist Sruli Recht, celebrated for his innovative approach to materials and design, brings a philosophical and tactile vision to Shenzhen. His work explores the intersection of nature, craft, and human desire, often transforming natural processes—like crystallization, water formation, and organic growth—into sculptural forms that blur the line between the natural and the man-made.
Highlights from the exhibition (Photo: Sea World Culture and Arts Center)
At LAIR: Relics for the Future, Recht presents nearly 70 works from his "Alternative Creatures" series, making its first full appearance in Asia. The exhibition unfolds across 11 interconnected zones where narrative, space, sound, scent, and light are woven together to guide visitors on a multi-sensory journey. From delicate, jewelry-like sculptures to monumental installations that capture natural phenomena in suspended time, each piece invites reflection on materiality, desire, and human perception.
This immersive exhibition challenges conventional display methods, encouraging audiences to move, observe, and engage emotionally with the artworks. It's a rare opportunity to experience contemporary art not just as a visual spectacle but as a living, thought-provoking environment where creativity, philosophy, and sensory experience converge in ways that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply captivating.
Highlights from the exhibition (Photo: Sea World Culture and Arts Center)
Event Details
Shenzhen
Date: December 6, 2025–March 3, 2026
Venue: L1, Sea World Culture and Arts Center
Hours:
Monday to Friday (including official make-up working days): 10:00–19:00
Saturday and Sunday (including national public holidays): 10:00–21:00
*Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Address: No.1187 Wanghai Road, Nanshan District
Tickets: Adult ¥148; Two-person ¥258; Concession ¥108
Where to get tickets: Via the WeChat official account of "海上世界文化艺术中心" (pinyin: hai shang shi jie wen hua yi shu zhong xin)
Guangzhou Image Triennial 2025: Ecology of Sensitivity
廣州影像三年展：感知生態學
Featuring 84 works by over 80 artists from 25 countries, the exhibition centers on the theme Ecology of Sensitivity, examining how digital technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental change are reshaping our perceptions of the world.
Organized around three sections: Neo-Analog, Strata of Sensi-Visibilities, and Ripples, the show highlights the evolving role of photography, the material labor behind images, and the long-term ecological and social impact of human activity. A dedicated Greater Bay Area section showcases local artists, reflecting regional culture and ecology.
Highlights from the exhibition (Photo: Guangdong Museum of Art）
Blending contemporary art with critical reflection, the triennial offers a visually striking, multi-dimensional experience that invites audiences to rethink how we see and understand the world.
Event Details
Guangzhou
Date: December 19, 2025–May 5, 2026 (Closed on Monday)
Venue: Hall 4/5/6/21, 2F & 5F, Guangdong Museum of Art (Bai'etan)
Address: No. 19, Bai'etan South Road, Liwan District
Tickets: Adult ¥50; Two-person ¥85; Parent & Child Ticket (1 adult + 1 child aged 6–17) ¥64; Concession ¥29.
Where to get tickets: Via the WeChat official account of "广东美术馆" (pinyin: guang dong mei shu guan)
So long, so profound: Huang Yongyu's new paintings
如此漫長·如此濃郁——黃永玉新作展
It's a major exhibition showcasing nearly 150 works created after the artist Huang Yongyu turned ninety. Huang Yongyu is one of China's most celebrated contemporary artists, known for his bold brushwork, playful inscriptions, and ability to turn life's hardships into humor and insight. His work spans painting, sculpture, and printmaking, reflecting a keen sense of observation, wit, and a deeply philosophical engagement with the human experience.
Huang Yongyu's Artworks (Photo: Guangdong Museum of Art)
The exhibition is organized into three sections. "Carefree Journey" highlights Huang's unique interpretation of Daoist philosophy, revealing his contemplative and reflective side. "Laughing Out Loud" captures his childlike curiosity, warmth, and exuberant energy, while "A Hundred Thousand Flowers Like Dreams" presents reflections on time, memory, and belonging. Each piece combines expressive lines, clever text, and imaginative forms, creating a narrative that is both humorous and profound.
Huang's personality—unconstrained, lively, and witty—shines throughout the exhibition. From his earlier works to these recent creations, audiences can trace a lifetime of artistic exploration and personal expression. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Huang Yongyu's rich late-life creativity and his enduring passion for art and life.
Huang Yongyu's Artworks (Photo: Guangdong Museum of Art)
Event Details
Guangzhou
Date: December 9, 2025–March 15, 2026 (Closed on Monday)
Venue: Hall 1–3, 1F, Guangdong Museum of Art (Bai'etan)
Address: No. 19, Bai'etan South Road, Liwan District
Price: Free
Reservation: Via the WeChat official account of "广东美术馆" (pinyin: guang dong mei shu guan)
Reporter | Li Muzi
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
With special thanks to 大R鱼 for the image.
