EXHIBITION CLOSING SOON
Fiona Lai Ching Wong, Gold Orchid, 2008, terracotta with copper plate..© Courtesy of the artist and Alisan Fine Arts
Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation
September 10, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Curator Conversation with Artists: Wednesday, Sept 10 from 6:30-8pm
Full-day Symposium: Saturday, Sept 27 from 9:30am-5pm
Art & DJ Night: Thursday, Oct 16 from 6-8pm
Artist’s Talk: Tuesday, Nov 4 from 6:30-8pm
History Walk: Monday, Dec 1
Artist’s Talk: Thursday, Dec 6 from 6:30-8pm
Metamorphosis highlights works by over 25 contemporary artists of Chinese descent who explore themes of personal, cultural, historical and material metamorphosis and transformation in dynamic and innovative ways. Created by both established and emerging artists of different generations, these works span media including painting, sculpture, photography, animation, and installation. Artists include Xu Bing, Zheng Chongbin, Lu Yang, Yun-Fei Ji, Irene Chou, Zheng Lu, Yin Xiuzhen and Fiona Lai Ching Wong. Many of these works will be seen in the U.S. for the first time. Important works commissioned especially for the exhibition include new paintings by Sun Xun and an immersive Dream Chamber by Bingyi.
We were pleased to host a curator’s talk to celebrate the first day of the exhibition with featured artists Bingyi, Fung Ming Chip, Sun Xun, Kelly Wang, and Zhang Jian-Jun, who discussed how “metamorphosis” played a part in their works in the exhibition and their artistic practice. Among the projects highlighted are Sun Xun’s artist residency and the new commission of Bingyi’s Dream Chamber. Moderated by the exhibition curator, Dr. Susan L. Beningson.
Also check out our full program of related events. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
To learn more, click here.
Calligraphy, Music & Mandarin Meetup – Your Monthly Cultural Escape
Friday, January 16, 2026, from 6-8pm
Our beloved monthly program of Calligraphy, Music & Mandarin Meetup is back!
Step into a beautiful evening where art, music, and language come alive. Each month, experience captivating live performances featuring some of China’s most iconic instruments — from the graceful guqin (古琴) to the ethereal, harp-like konghou (箜篌) and the lush, harmonizing sheng (笙)— performed by talented musicians who bring these ancient sounds to life.
Want to practice Mandarin? Join our Mandarin Language Table during intermission for a fun, relaxed conversation with support from our language instructors.
Enjoy tea and light refreshments, meet fellow culture lovers, and experience a unique night of art and connection in the heart of NYC!
No experience is needed — just bring your curiosity! We can’t wait to share this inspiring evening with you.
This program is in partnership with the US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music.
To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
Discover China Through Art
Now Through Jan. 11, 2026
Discover China Through Art (DCTA), our art education program features a docent-led gallery tour and hands-on workshop for an exclusive experience of Chinese art and culture.
To learn about or register your group, click here.
About China Institute Gallery
China Institute Gallery is renowned for its intimate, first-class thematic exhibitions. Since 1966, the Gallery has presented more than 120 exhibitions showcasing both historical and contemporary works across a wide range of media and art forms. Covering 5,000 years of Chinese history from the Neolithic period to the present day, China Institute Gallery is the only non-commercial exhibition space solely dedicated to Chinese art in New York and the United States. China Institute Gallery will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, reaffirming the gallery’s leadership in landmark historical exhibitions while expanding the gallery’s commitment to the vibrant world of contemporary Chinese art.
