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Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation

September 10, 2025 - January 11, 2026

Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation highlights works by 28 contemporary artists of Chinese descent, who explore themes of personal, cultural, historical and material metamorphosis in dynamic and innovative ways. Across painting, sculpture, photography, animation and installation art, these works by established and emerging artists of different generations and backgrounds use experimentation to draw on both Eastern and Western art-making practices and materials. Many of the works are seen for the first time in the U.S. Important commissions include new paintings by Sun Xun and an immersive Dream Chamber by Bingyi. The exhibition is organized broadly around four themes: “Metamorphosis of the Body and Self,” “Metamorphosis of the Environment and Natural World,” “Historical and Cultural Metamorphosis,” and “Spiritual Metamorphosis.”

Participating Artists:

Ah Xian
Bingyi
Bouie Choi
Irene Chou
Chu Chu
Cui Fei
Ming Fay
Fung Ming Chip
Yun-Fei Ji
Lin Guocheng
Liu Xiaodong
Lu Yang
Lui Shou-Kwan
Jennifer Wen Ma
Man Fung-Yi
Ren Light Pan
Su Xiaobai
Sun Xun
Tao Aimin
Kelly Wang
Wang Tiande
Fiona Lai Ching Wong
Xu Bing
Yin Xiuzhen
Zhang Jian-Jun
Zhang Yu
Zheng Chongbin
Zheng Lu

Curated by Dr. Susan L. Beningson.

Supporters of the exhibition and its accompanying public programs are the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Abel and Sophia Sheng, Su Xiaobai Foundation, Alisan Fine Arts New York, and other individuals and institutional funders.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. “Metamorphosis” is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Sun Xun, Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation. Artist Residency at China Institute of America, New York, August-September 2025. Wall painting (detail). Chinese ink, acrylic, natural pigments and gold leaf. Courtesy of Sun Xun and China Institute.

Exhibition Video

China Institute Gallery Artist Residence: Sun Xun’s Book of Changes

Media Coverage

Related Programs

  • Curator's Lecture
    Conversation with Artists (September 10, 2025)

    Celebrate the first day of the exhibition “Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation” with featured artists Bingyi, Fung Ming Chip, Sun Xun, Kelly Wang, and Zhang Jian-Jun, who will discuss how “metamorphosis” played a part in their works in the exhibition and their artistic practice. Among the projects highlighted are Sun Xun’s artist residency and the new commission of Bingyi’s Dream Chamber. Moderated by the exhibition curator, Dr. Susan L. Beningson.

  • Full-day Symposium
    Interpreting Metamorphosis (September 27, 2025)

    “Metamorphosis: Chinese Imagination and Transformation” at China Institute Gallery presents a one-day symposium where featured artists, curators, and scholars explore and address key themes and questions raised by the exhibition. Through seven talks and panels, we will explore the breadth and depth of cultural, historical, and artistic themes related to Chinese imagination and transformation.

  • Artist's Talk
    Art on the Move: NYC's Iconic Subway Murals (November 4, 2025)

    China Institute and Asia Art Archive in America bring together Asian and Asian Diasporic artists Bing Lee, Jean Shin, Saya Woolfalk, and Parker Fay (who will represent Ming Fay) to share the stories behind their own subway commission projects while addressing questions around the possibilities, promise, and practicalities of public art. The conversation will be moderated by Deputy Director of MTA Art & Design Yaling Chen. Please join us on November 4th for a deep dive into four select commissions and what they can teach us about shared commitment to community, artistic innovation, and site-specific storytelling.

  • Art and DJ Night (November 13, 2025)

    China Institute Gallery is transforming for one night only! This November 13, China Institute Gallery and CINGS present a unique evening that brings our current exhibition “Metamorphosis” to life through music. Stop by for a curated gallery tour, connect with your creative peers over drinks, and immerse yourself in the special set curated by DJ SHUYÎN @joesie_zheng.

  • History Walk
    Asian Americans and the Downtown Arts Scene, 1980–2000 (December 1, 2025)

    Many talented artists of Asian descent helped define the vibrant art scene in downtown New York in the last decades of the 20th century, including some in our current exhibition “Metamorphosis”. On World AIDS Day, we will trace their steps on the trendy Lower East Side and East Village. Whether you are a local who knows these neighborhoods well or just visiting the city, join us for this unique art historian’s perspective on downtown New York, a chance to see its streets not just as they are today, but as the vibrant canvas for a generation of transformative artists. Those highlighted in this walk may include David Diao, Ming Fay, Tehching Hsieh, Ma Hao, Tan Dun, Tseng Kwong Chi, Martin Wong, among others.

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