Yanran Chen’s artistic universe is a world without borders. Cyberpunk chimeras, peculiar female figures, and surrealist scenes beyond imagination are brought to life in her latest exhibition. Titled “Neon Dreamland”, it marks the 20-year-old artist’s first ever solo show in China and is also the opening exhibition of the newly launched ART FOCUS space by Tang Contemporary Art.
In the heart of Beijing’s vibrant 798 Art District, “Neon Dreamland” materialises as one of the highlights of the new Beijing Art Season initiative. The exhibition was curated by actor and Art Naoke founder Yuan Hong, and features a dual-themed layout that showcases Chen’s multifaceted creativity. The first floor serves as an introduction to the artist. Large digital paintings, sculptures from recent years—including the notable piece Dinner (2024)— and Chen’s own home studio table occupy the first floor. A more personal display of her artistry, the works of this section often depict a dark-haired girl alongside peculiar creatures that fuse the natural with the mechanical in an eerie, dream-like manner.
The second part of the exhibition transports audiences into another realm entirely. Chen is no stranger to a collaboration, and this time she brings her thrilling partnership with animation label WaarWorld to the public once more. The collaboration is based on Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin’s novel, “The Supernova Era”, and comprises a series of larger-than-life sculptures depicting various dystopian settings. Alongside them are six collectibles and chibi-style sculptures of characters that Chen designed for the novel, such as the dutiful Commander of the Supernova Warriors, Lu Gang, and Pan Yu aka. Detective P.
QUEEN's SCEPTER designed by Yanran Chen
Photo: Courtesy of the artist
“Neon Dreamland” Exhibition
Date: March 23 to July 6, 2025
Location: ART FOCUS, Tan Contemporary Art, 798 Art District, Beijing
Editor
Alyanna Raissa J. PayosCredit
Lead image: Courtesy of the artist
