Art beat in January

Drawn to Xieyi

The 2014 annual exhibition of the China National Academy of Painting is currently showing more than 100 new artworks by accomplished artists. On display are traditional brushworks, woodcuts, oil paintings and sculptures focusing on Xieyi China, an art brand that the academy has been developing since the past five years. Xieyi style emphasizes overall expression in Chinese paintings rather than the usual urge by some artists to mostly work on details. Many pieces are also inspired by the various artists' travels along the ancient Silk Road.

10 am-4:30 pm, through Jan 10. Chinese Fine Art Center, 6 East Beisanhuan Lu (Road), Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8414-1900.

Chinese abstracts

Although abstract art as a discipline has traditionally flourished in the West, Chinese contemporary artists Shang Yang, Cao Jigang and Guan Jingjing are now demonstrating their understanding of the style with Chinese philosophy. A group show features abstract paintings by the three artists. Among the artworks on display is Shang's Dong Qichang Project-3. His Dong Qichang Project-5 sold for a record 8.51 million yuan ($1.37 million) at China Guardian's autumn auction this year.

10 am-5 pm, through Jan 10. The BRIC Art Space, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu (Road), Chaoyang District, Beijing. 010-5762-6342.