Art Week Shenzhen kicks off with vibrant lineup

Visitors view works by acclaimed photojournalist Liu Heung Shing in “Liu Heung Shing: Lens • Era • People,” a highlight of Art Week Shenzhen 2025 at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Shekou, Nanshan District, today. Photos by Liu Yangyang unless otherwise stated

Art Week Shenzhen 2025 officially opened today at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in Shekou, Nanshan District, promising a richer and more dynamic artistic experience. With nearly 80 captivating exhibitions presented by 69 local institutions, the event spans a wide array of artistic disciplines — from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations and video art.

During the opening ceremony, Art Week Shenzhen director Zi Jing underscored the event’s commitment to enhancing public participation and providing an immersive visitor experience. “To achieve this, we’ve invited 13 ‘guides’ from various industries to lead 16 curated art tours, introducing visitors to the city’s galleries, museums, and cultural spaces,” she said.

Renowned artist Li Shan unveils his solo exhibition “Quantum Jumping” at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center during Art Week Shenzhen 2025.

Several must-see exhibitions are being held at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center. Celebrated artist Li Shan presents his solo exhibition “Quantum Jumping,” offering audiences an immersive journey through his multimedia works from the past decade. Meanwhile, Hong Kong artist Jaffa Lam is making her mainland debut with “Behind the Blue.” The exhibition reflects on identity and displacement, showcasing significant works from her 20-year 

career.A standout of this year’s event is “Liu Heung Shing: Lens • Era • People,” a comprehensive retrospective of the acclaimed photojournalist Liu Heung Shing. Capturing decades of historic and personal moments through his lens, the exhibition offers a profound visual narrative. 

Reflecting on her own work during the opening, Jaffa Lam said, “It’s a little overwhelming to share half of my life through this exhibition, but it’s also a rare opportunity. My story is one of many who have left their hometowns. I hope visitors find their own ‘window’ within my story.”

A poster for the exhibition “Liu Heung Shing: Lens • Era • People.

”Beyond Shekou, Art Week Shenzhen extends its presence to multiple cultural venues. The Shenzhen Art Museum, in collaboration with the OCT Contemporary Art Terminal (OCAT) Shenzhen, is presenting “Youhan and Yu Youhan: Yu Youhan’s Early Experience and Late Style,” a comprehensive survey of the Shanghai-based artist’s five-decade career. It features over 100 artworks alongside extensive archival materials. Meanwhile, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning will host “Meta Nature,” a solo exhibition by pioneering Pop artist Xue Song that explores his artistic evolution over the past 30 years.

“Youhan and Yu Youhan: Yu Youhan’s Early Experience and Late Style,” presented by the Shenzhen Art Museum in partnership with OCT Contemporary Art Terminal Shenzhen, is featured as part of Art Week Shenzhen 2025.

A fresh addition to this year’s program is the Artist Studio Section, which invites the public to step into the workspaces of contemporary artists. Eleven Shenzhen-based artists, along with architects and designers who contribute to the city’s vibrant art ecosystem, will open their studios to provide an intimate glimpse into their creative processes.