BEIJING, May 2025 — At just 20 years old, rising Gen Z artist Yanran Chen is making a bold statement on China’s contemporary art scene with her first solo exhibition in the country, Neon Dreamland. Bursting with surrealist landscapes, cyberpunk-inspired creatures, and empowering female figures, the show is a vivid, immersive experience that reflects the unique voice of a new generation. It also serves as the grand opening exhibition for ART FOCUS, a newly launched contemporary art space by Tang Contemporary Art in Beijing’s iconic 798 Art District.
The exhibition spans two major zones, offering a comprehensive look into Chen’s evolving creative universe.
- The first section features a curated collection of her recent paintings and sculptures—works that dive deep into her personal mythology and complex visual language.
- The second section highlights her crossover collaboration with the animation label WaarWorld, inspired by Chinese sci-fi giant Liu Cixin’s novel The Supernova Era. Here, Chen reimagines a futuristic world through character sculptures and conceptual designs that blend anime aesthetics with philosophical reflections on technology and humanity.
A Glimpse Into the Artist’s Mind
One of the standout features of Neon Dreamland is a recreation of Yanran Chen’s personal studio. Visitors will find a 3-meter-long table set with her creative tools, sketchbooks, favorite art books, figurines, and other personal items that spark her imagination. This intimate installation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the young artist’s process and inspirations.
Make a Wish, Snap a Memory
The second-floor gallery also features an interactive Mars-themed wish wall, inviting visitors to answer the question: “If you were about to land on Mars, what dream would you hope to fulfill?” The collected wishes become part of the exhibition’s narrative, connecting audience imagination with Chen’s futuristic themes.
Art Meets Play: Interactive Highlights
The exhibition also features a photo booth that lets visitors snap a photo against backdrops featuring Chen’s artwork. It’s a playful way to take home a personalized, art-infused memento—merging audience engagement with the spirit of her imaginative world.
With its mix of fine art, pop culture, and immersive storytelling, Neon Dreamland is more than just an exhibition—it’s a cultural experience. Running through July 6, 2025, this show is a must-see for anyone in Beijing looking to explore the future of art through the eyes of Gen Z.
Don’t miss it—this is where fantasy, identity, and innovation collide.
