With the Beijing Biennale is due to open tomorrow, more than 10 associated avant-garde shows organized by independent curators and art salons have taken advantage of the opportunity and launched before the opening of the official exhibition in the Chinese capital.

Beijing-based independent curator Zhang Zhaohui is to give a contemporary art exhibition entitled Bare Androgyny from today to September 30 at the West Art Venue, 798 Art Space in Dashanzi, in northeastern Beijing.

Sponsored by the Red Ox Beverage Co Ltd, the exhibition features oil paintings, photographs, video, installation, performance art works and modern dances by 11 women artists and nine male artists.

In an attempt to explore the relationship between men and women in urban society, it explores the problems in this relationship, such as the blurring of the lines between the two sexes, and the over-emphasis on the importance attached to women's appearance in climbing the social ladder.

"Their works incorporate both masculine and feminine elements while highlighting social problems," said Zhang.

Unlike many other contemporary art exhibitions, in this one women artists are strongly presented.

In her oil painting series Women Wearing Make-up, artist Fu Xi depicts women wearing make-up in various circumstances, reflecting women's complex feelings as they are to cater to society with their appearances.

Recent works by established avant-garde artists including Wang Qingsong, Ma Liuming and the Gao Brothers are to be displayed and sold in the exhibition.

(China Daily September 19, 2003)