Have you noticed the unassuming entrance before you? This marks the spot where Salt Projects once stood. It was a vibrant hub for Beijing’s contemporary art scene. Salt Projects was not your typical gallery. It was a curatorial studio that operated from 2016 to 2019.
Salt Projects combined theory and practice. It saw research and curation as an open-ended activity. This involved collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to art. The name itself suggests a desire to add flavor and perspective to the art world.
Imagine stepping inside. Salt Projects was a small space of only 17 square meters. Despite its size, it hosted a variety of events. These included performances, experimental lectures, screenings, and exhibitions. Some were even described as sexy.
The founders, Yuan Fuca and Liya Han, created a unique environment. Salt Projects was more than just a gallery. It was a space for dialogue and experimentation. It attracted artists who didn’t quite fit into the mainstream commercial art world.
One of Salt Projects’ notable initiatives was the “Danger, Desire & Dialect” lecture-performance series. This series explored the challenges and opportunities within the art world. Danger represented the social and political context. It highlighted the risks faced by artists. Desire explored the fulfillment and pleasure found in art. Dialect emphasized local methodologies and personal experiences.
Consider some of the exhibitions that graced this space. There was Covey Gong’s “Cherry”. It explored the emotional symbolism of fabric. Ke Peng’s “The Secured” subtly examined the relationship between security and surveillance. Li Shurui’s “Light Extracts” created a mystical atmosphere through color and light. Wang Rui’s “You weren’t supposed to be able to get here you know” delved into the virtual world. Yanyan Huang’s “Cloud Tempo” explored the poetics of life. Chang Yuchen’s “A Fine Art Show” questioned modern culture and the history of aesthetics.
Salt Projects also hosted live performances. Vivian Vivian Xiaoshi Qin presented “Lv Hua Dai”. It told tales of future landscapes with AI. Hossein Ghaemi’s “Enter at the intermission” transformed the space into a surreal theatrical environment. Li Tingwei created a “Chatting Room” offering conversation-based therapy. Empty_FM produced podcasts of artist conversations. Feed Chicken presented a “reading” room of daily-life imageries. Zhang Yunfeng and Li Haiguang presented “Playground”. It was a collaborative exploration of movement. William Wen explored the modern human state with “Height”.
Despite its innovative approach, Salt Projects faced challenges. Like many alternative spaces in Beijing, it dealt with the pressures of urban renovation. In February 2019, the physical gallery space closed.
Although the physical space is gone, Salt Projects’ spirit lives on. Its WeChat account remains active. Salt Projects left a mark on Beijing’s art scene. It championed experimental art and interdisciplinary collaboration. Salt Projects will always be remembered as a place where creativity knew no bounds.