BEIJING.- In Christie’s 250th year, the company announces continued expansion in China led by a brand new flagship space that opened in Beijing in autumn 2016. The new exhibition and office space was unveiled at a grand opening on October 15th. A special exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) explores his influence on Chinese artists. The space also showcases works by other leading pioneers including Max Ernst, Fernando Botero, Sanyu, Chu Teh-Chun, and Zeng Fanzhi.

Patricia Barbizet, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s, “We are proud to have found Christie’s a new home in Beijing, a city that is characterized by its tremendous cultural heritage and a profound collecting tradition. Christie’s continues to grow and invest in China and our new Beijing space marks an important milestone during our 250 year mission to connect art and collectors. We look forward to further exchanges with the art community and contributing to the diversified Chinese cultural landscape.”

As the world’s leading art business, Christie’s remains committed to its mission of promoting dialogue and cultural exchange within the art ecology in China. Following the opening of Christie’s Shanghai at the historical Ampire building in 2014, Christie’s continued focus is on increasing access to collecting and the enjoyment of the arts for all audiences across China. Located on #82 Jinbao Street and spanning over three floors, the new Beijing space is equipped with state-of-art facilities over 800 square meters. Conceived under the same aesthetic principles of Christie’s international sites such as London, Paris, New York and Hong Kong, Christie’s Beijing provides a multifunctional and interactive venue for exhibitions, art forums, lectures and other activities.

A special exhibition of six works by Picasso, the most heralded artist of the 20th century, was unveiled for the grand opening of the new flagship space. This exhibition explores the artist’s extraordinary oeuvre-- the themes and muses that populated his art throughout his prolific career, as well as Picasso’s connection to Chinese artists. While Picasso’s paintings and his various artistic styles may not reveal distinct influences from Chinese art, the artist, in fact, was familiar with and curious about the Middle Kingdom’s rich painting tradition. Picasso especially liked and studied the lively and energetic paintings by Qi Baishi (1864-1957) and became friends with Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), the two most influential modern masters from China. This exhibition is an exclusive preview of Picasso’s works which will be offered in Christie’s New York Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale on November 16. Highlights exhibited include Tete de Femme, 1943 and Buste de Femme, 1938, two very different portraits of his great wartime lover and muse, Dora Maar.

Jinqing Cai, Chairman, Christie’s China, “As we raise the Christie’s flag in our newly established art space in Beijing, I sincerely hope it becomes an integral part of the rich cultural heritage and the diverse art community of the city. We will continue our role in acting as a cultural ambassador and provide best access and expertise for art lovers, collectors and institutions between China and the world.”