Yinchuan Biennale set to promote art in NW China

Xie Suchen, artistic director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Yinchuan.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"The earliest-dated printed book was found (in Mogao Cave in neighboring Gansu province's Dunhuang city). So it is quite fitting to start my journey here."

Xie says the biennial is an initial step toward boosting the local art scene.

"We'll achieve our goal slowly, because we have to," she says.

Organizers brought professional workers from the national capital and bought tools online to trim expenses, she says.

"It's painful," Xie says.

"We only hope we don't let the audience down."

The event not only continues the MOCA Yinchuan's efforts to educate locals about contemporary art but also shows art can be close to everyday life. Many works are made with such local items as clay and rice stems.

The MOCA Yinchuan has staged several contemporary-art shows along with permanent displays of its collection of antique maps and oil paintings.

Xie says the museum receives 200 to 300 visitors on weekends, and less than 10 percent of them are tourists.

"Many are families of three generations, and I often secretly follow them. I know it sounds odd, but I enjoy it."