In the summer of 2025, young art creators from different cultural backgrounds participated MET Art Residency program. Under the management of curator NanaBee, they visited and created in Beijing. By the end there was a public art exhibition to showcase all their artworks with the theme of “Hutong Code(The Code of the Alley )“.
Hutongs are the lifeblood of Beijing, the bearers of the city’s memory. They are historical labyrinths and snapshots of daily life. They record the traces of time and carry the stories of generations. However, with the wave of urban renewal, the appearance of the hutongs is constantly changing. What we seek is how to protect and pass on these precious cultural heritage in a rapidly changing era.
In the relentless flow of time, tradition and modernity, the ancient and the innovative, often present a complex and nuanced tension. In a world where the pace of urban life is increasingly frantic, do we still have the opportunity to listen to the voices hidden in the corners? “The Code of the Alley” is precisely such an attempt at seeking and interpreting.
“Hutong Code” is not simply nostalgia, but an interpretation of the multiple meanings contained within the hutongs using the language of contemporary art. This exhibition brings together artists from both sides of the strait (Taiwan and Mainland China), who explore the history, culture, and the role they play in contemporary society, using their unique perspectives and techniques.
The works reveal the simplicity and bustle of the hutongs, with meticulous depictions of traditional architectural details and in-depth observations of the lives of hutong residents. More importantly, the artists bravely experiment with new media technologies, skillfully combining the virtual world of the metaverse with the real-world scene of the hutongs, opening up a new artistic experience for viewers.
“Hutong Code” is a dialogue across time, not only a tribute to traditional culture, but also an exploration of contemporary art. We hope that through this exhibition, viewers can not only appreciate the beauty of the artwork but also feel the charm of the hutongs and contemplate how to protect our cultural roots in a rapidly changing era.
Let us together decipher the code of the hutongs, feel the warmth of art, and inject new vitality into cultural heritage of China.
Venue: Dongcheng District Cultural Center, Beijing
Time: July, 12-27 / 2025
