Torment of the soul – Filmmaker swaps success for the struggling

Many people seek the meaning of life. Some live for fortune; some seek fame. Others pursue power and fun.

Inner voice – Two young photographers picture life unseen

The inner ear includes two important organs: one that helps the body balance and the other an organic microphone. These functions inspired the work of two young photographers now on exhibit at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA).

Power in fusion – Old landmark a new icon for contemporary art

Tradition and modernity are at odds, and finding a balance between these forces is the task facing Chinese artists as they introduce their culture to the world stage.

A ballet gala – Superstars gather on Beijing’s stage

Since 2009, the National Center for Performing Arts (NCPA) has been inviting celebraed ballet dancers to present their most popular repertoire. It has become an annual outing for many ballet fans – a rare chance to see the bewitching glamour of both classical and modern ballet and all its flexible movements, deft leaps and breathtaking swirls.

Woman, the symbol of time

Mythology is the root by which a culture understands the world around it, and how it came to be. Most mythologies have some characteristic goddess in charge of the moon. But while the Greek goddess Selene’s mad love brought her down to the earth every night to lay with Endymion, China’s Chang’e never leaves the moon.

Life’s first steps – The adventure of the world’s children

Everything is a great adventure for a newborn, but it’s an adventure soon forgotten unless someone is recording it.

Falling into memory – Zhang Xiaogang’s new works from the past

Memories are the topic of Zhang Xiaogang’s paintings. In the past 20 years, Zhang has not only developed his art through constant exploration of historical and memorial themes, but also expressed his personal life.

Ecologists of the world, unite! – German eco-village a model for sustainable life

The latest UN 12-day summit on climate change in Cancun, Mexico has produced little news of hope for those concerned with the future. But residents in one German village are already experimenting with a new system to balance work, leisure and ecology for low-carbon living.

Finding happiness – HK stage director explores dreams of the city

Stress makes happiness elusive in many big cities, according to survey results published earlier this year. Hong Kong theater director Edward Lam’s latest play, Grand Expectations, focuses on the relationship between success and happiness among young urbanites.

Going home – Painting change in Liu Xiaodong’s hometown

Liu Xiaodong, one of the country’s top painters, travels far and wide to find subjects, often painting them at his “on-site studio”: an easel and canvas. In his paintings, Liu explores social issues such as the environment, urbanization, poverty and wealth, personal and cultural identity, and familial and gender relationships.