Beijing Biennale showcases 'After the Rain' by Soraya Sikander

The 10th Beijing International Art Biennale Opens with Global Focus on ‘Coexistence’; Pakistani Artist Soraya Sikander Among Featured Artists.

BEIJING, CHINA – The 10th China Beijing International Art Biennale (BIAB) officially opened its doors at the Beijing Exhibition Center (Hall 1) on December 29, 2025. This landmark edition, themed "Coexistence," serves as a premier global platform for cultural exchange, running through January 29, 2026. The Biennale is a joint high-level production organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the Publicity Department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the China Artists Association.

A Global Narrative of Unity This year’s Biennale features approximately 600 contemporary artworks from 118 countries and regions. The collection spans a diverse array of mediums, including traditional paintings and sculptures alongside modern installations, digital art, and video art. By focusing on critical themes such as "Peace and Development," "Ecological Civilization," and "Technology Ethics," the exhibition seeks to narrate "Beijing stories" and "World stories" that emphasize a shared future for mankind.

Highlighting International Excellence: Soraya Sikander Among the select group of international participants, the 10th BIAB is proud to feature Soraya Sikander, the only artist selected from Pakistan for the Theme Exhibition. An overseas Pakistani who has earned international acclaim, Soraya is recognized as one of today’s leading contemporary South Asian artists. Soraya, renowned for her pioneering landscapes and organic forms, has previously seen her work featured in prestigious institutions including the National Art Museum of Dhaka, the Etihad Museum, the National Museum of China, and the Moldova Museum. Her inclusion in the 10th Biennale underscores her status as a commercially successful and critically recognized painter making a significant impact on the global stage.

Specialized Programming In addition to the main theme exhibition, the Biennale includes three curated special exhibitions:

• The International Digital Art Special Exhibition

• The International Contemporary Ink Art Special Exhibition

• The Serbian Contemporary Art Exhibition Exhibition Details

• Venue: Hall 1, Beijing Exhibition Center, Beijing, China

• Dates: 29 December 2025 – 29 January 2026

• Theme: Coexistence The 10th Beijing International Art Biennale continues to solidify its reputation as a vital bridge between East and West, fostering a deeper understanding of our world through the universal language of art.

About the Beijing International Art Biennale: Established as a major international art event in China, the BIAB promotes global harmony and contemporary artistic innovation, bringing together thousands of leading contemporary and living master artists from around the world to celebrate diversity and artistic excellence. Renowned contemporary painter Soraya Sikander stands as the sole representative from Pakistan at the 10th China Beijing International Art Biennale. Known for her masterful landscapes and organic forms, Soraya’s selection highlights her growing international influence following successful exhibitions at the National Museum of China and the Etihad Museum. Her work joins a global dialogue of 600 pieces aimed at narrating "World Stories" through the lens of peace and development.

About the painting: Title: “AFTER THE RAIN” Main Material(s): OIL ON CANVAS ▲Height with Frame: 101.6 cm ▲Width with Frame: 193.04 cm ▲Artwork Caption: “AFTER THE RAIN” is a subtle, tonal, sunset, in a forest. A spectacular painting; depicting the common thread shared by all humanity – the landscape. Landscapes connect people, encouraging coexistence. All of nature lives in peace with its surroundings. This painting is an ode to nature’s ability to bring all living things together, promoting tolerance & harmony, through the communal experience of rain.” – Soraya Sikander (Pakistan).

Beijing Biennale Highlights include: • 600+ artworks including digital and video art. • Special exhibitions on Contemporary Ink and Serbian Art. • Featuring leading South Asian artist Soraya Sikander - the only Pakistani artist selected for this year’s theme exhibition. • On display through Jan 29, 2026. • Theme: Coexistence • Location: Hall 1, Beijing Exhibition Center • Dates: Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 29, 2026 • Scope: 600 artworks from 118 countries • Special Features: Digital Art, Contemporary Ink, & Serbian Art exhibitions.

Arts Professional Daniela Orlandi with Soraya Sikander painting in Beijing