UNTIL March next year, a solo exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning is offering audiences an overview of the three-decade career of Shenzhen-based artist Yang Yong. Featuring more than 100 pieces of photography, paintings, and multimedia works, the exhibit reflects Yang’s perspective on the fate of individuals amid profound societal changes during China’s urbanization in the era of globalization. These works also trace Yang’s personal growth as he delved into various art forms and media. Curated by Hou Hanru, the exhibition incorporates different lighting designs, dividing the space into areas resembling tunnels and well-lit open spaces. This division aims to immerse the audience in the experience of navigating between the artist’s private and public spheres. The “tunnel” sections display photos created since 1996, capturing Shenzhen’s young migrants against the backdrop of the city’s modern high-rise buildings or amidst muddy construction sites. The stark contrast between the stylish young figures and their stark surroundings often evokes intense emotions in viewers. Through his photography, Yang encapsulates the anxiety, yearning, and frustrations commonly experienced by the city’s migrant population. In the pristine white-box exhibition areas, Yang’s paintings and installations focus on iconic events and personalities that have featured prominently in mass media and public discourse, prompting a retrospective look at social life. Born in 1975, Yang graduated from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 1995 and has participated in over 120 exhibitions both domestically and internationally since 1998. His works are in the collections of such art institutions as the U.K.’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the International Center of Photography in the U.S., and the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing. A curator himself, Yang established the Shangqi Art studio in 2015 to foster public awareness of contemporary art and culture. A complimentary exhibition showcasing Shangqi Art’s successful research and exhibitions is on display outside Hall A3, offering visitors deeper insights into the artist’s past endeavors. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Admissions allowed before 5:30 p.m.) Dates: Through March 7, 2025 (closed on Mondays) Venue: Hall A3, Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning, Futian District Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station, Exit A2 (Li Dan) | 