Venture beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Asian contemporary art. Our curated guide highlights the continent’s most groundbreaking exhibitions, featuring works that challenge conventions, provoke thought, and inspire awe. From established masters to rising stars, discover the artists shaping the future of art and experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Asia.

Tim Johnson: Universal Mind

• When: 17 Aug -14 Sep, 2024
• Where: Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne

Johnson’s paintings are known for their otherworldly themes and eclectic imagery. He often draws inspiration from various sources, including mythology, religion, and philosophy. Recently, he has collaborated with Paul Rhodes and Daniel Bogunovic on paintings and sculptures. These collaborations highlight his openness to new ideas and his belief in the power of creative partnerships.

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Hope is the thing with feathers

• When: 24 Aug -20 Oct, 2024
• Where: Bluerider ART Shanghai, Shanghai

The exhibition “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” showcases the works of 25 young Chinese artists, born after 1985. Selected from 2000 submissions, the exhibition features a diverse range of mediums, including painting, ink, sculpture, and kinetic installations. The exhibition aims to discover and support emerging artists, explore creative perspectives, and foster professional growth. The works on display metaphorically allude to the themes of hope and feathers, reflecting the artists’ personal journeys and their perspectives on society.

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Jason Boyd Kinsella: Ghost in the Machine

• When: 30 Aug -19 Oct, 2024
• Where: Perrotin Seoul, Seoul

Jason Boyd Kinsella’s exhibition “Ghosts in the Machine” explores the concept of the self as a separate entity from the physical body. Inspired by philosopher Gilbert Ryle’s critique of mind-body dualism, Kinsella’s paintings use classical portraiture techniques to create psychological portraits that emphasize the interconnectedness of mind and body.

Through his oil paintings and sculptures, Kinsella presents simplified figures that evoke both emotional complexity and a visceral likeness. He uses geometric shapes, colors, and lines to suggest a sense of self and invites viewers to decode the emotional layers within his works. The artist’s approach emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and the power of visual language in representing the self.

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Naoya Hatakeyama: Tsunami Trees

• When: 31 Aug -28 Sep, 2024
• Where: Taka Ishii Gallery, Tokyo

Naoya Hatakeyama’s solo exhibition “Tsunami Trees” showcases his works documenting the changing landscape of his hometown, Rikuzentakata, following the 2011 tsunami. The exhibition features photographs of trees and landscapes affected by the disaster, as well as new works capturing tsunami evacuation towers in Kochi Prefecture. Hatakeyama’s works explore the relationship between nature, cities, and photography, and evoke thought about the way humans interact with natural phenomena and the impact of disasters on communities.

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Zhao Gang: Carnivore

• When: 18 May -14 Sep, 2024
• Where: Lisson Gallery, Beijing

Zhao Gang’s “Carnivore” exhibition delves into the raw and visceral, exploring themes of identity, desire, and decay. Through his bold and expressive paintings, Gang juxtaposes portraits of historical figures with decaying meat and other unsettling imagery. The exhibition challenges viewers to confront their own preconceptions about beauty, mortality, and the complexities of human nature. With its striking visuals and thought-provoking themes, “Carnivore” offers a powerful and unforgettable artistic experience.

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Paddy Bedford: Gouache

• When: 15 Aug -20 Sep, 2024
• Where: D’Lan Contemporary, Melbourne

Paddy Bedford’s gouache paintings, which have remained largely unseen until now, offer a fresh perspective on his artistic practice. Created towards the end of his life, these works on paper showcase his mastery of form, minimalism, and color. While often overshadowed by his larger canvases and boards, Bedford’s gouaches reveal a unique and intimate side of his artistic journey. These smaller-scale works demonstrate his instinct for composition and his ability to convey powerful emotions through subtle brushstrokes and vibrant hues. By exhibiting these pieces en masse, the exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Bedford’s studio practice and provides insight into the evolution of his artistic style.

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Peter Atkins: Built Form

• When: 17 Aug -14 Sep, 2024
• Where: Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne

Artist Atkins’ exhibition, “Built Form,” showcases abstract paintings and collages inspired by Melbourne’s urban landscapes. Using photographs and notes from his walks, Atkins creates vibrant, hard-edge compositions that capture the essence of cityscapes, storefronts, and even car parks. The exhibition is a celebration of the overlooked beauty in everyday objects and places, highlighting the artist’s meditation on modernism and his love for his adopted hometown.

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Moonassi: Our mind rippled and sparkled

• When: 1 Aug -22 Sep, 2024
• Where: Everyday Mooonday, Seoul

Moonassi’s latest solo exhibition, “Our Minds (Hearts) Rippled and Sparkled,” continues his exploration of human connections and the emotional fluctuations they inspire. Known for his previous works like “Borders,” “Blazing Heart,” and “Ambiguity,” Moonassi delves deeper into the intricate interplay between individuals and the internal turmoil that arises from their interactions. In this exhibition, Moonassi showcases large-scale pieces and new works that depict the delicate balance between two characters caught in a web of tension. These artworks offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics of human relationships and the emotional undercurrents that shape our lives.

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Patternmaker’s Maze

• When: 20 Jul -12 Oct, 2024
• Where: Lisson Gallery, Shanghai

The exhibition “Patternmaker’s Maze” explores the complex relationship between art, artists, and the world. Inspired by George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the exhibition showcases artworks that navigate through the maze of socio-political, economic, and natural forces. The artists featured in the exhibition use their works to question existing structures, interpret the past, experience the present, and shape the future. Through diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture, video, and textile, the artists present their unique perspectives on the world, challenging established notions and offering new interpretations.

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Derrick Adams: The Strip

• When: 3 Sep -12 Oct, 2024
• Where: Gagosian at APMA Cabinet, Seoul

Derrick Adams’s exhibition “The Strip” at Gagosian Gallery in Seoul presents a series of paintings inspired by beauty supply store windows. The artist transforms photographs of these windows into abstract compositions, exploring themes of style and beauty. The paintings feature mannequin heads adorned with colorful wigs and are framed by molded brick reliefs. The works are titled after classic R&B songs from the 1990s by women-fronted groups, paying tribute to their influential femme styling and costuming. Adams’s paintings are characterized by their vivid colors, abstract shapes, and experimental approach to representing Black urban life.

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