Shanghai Biennale Explores 'Does the Flower Hear the Bee?'
The 15th Shanghai Biennale, titled "Does the Flower Hear the Bee?" opened at the Power Station of Art on November 8.
Launched in 1996, the event is China's first international contemporary art biennial and one of Asia's most prominent art events.
Since 2012, the Power Station of Art has served as its organizer and permanent venue. This year's head curator is Kitty Scott, with Daisy Desrosiers and Tan Xue serving as co-curators.
The exhibition features more than 250 works by 67 individual artists and collectives, including 16 from China. Over 30 new pieces have been commissioned or created specifically for the Biennale.
Just as a flower "hears" the flutter of a bee's wings, the exhibition investigates the different modes of intelligence, taking into account both human and non-human wisdom and drawing inspiration from nature and culture.
"Humans have long known that when bees gather, they communicate and share information. Only recently have we learned that this network of communication extends beyond bees themselves. Studies show that flowers also collect information – they 'hear' the vibrations of a bee's wings and respond by producing sweeter nectar when bees are near," Scott said.
"We live in an age of immense uncertainty and global crises, which has fostered a sense of collective disorientation. The world is changing at a pace beyond our comprehension, leaving us feeling bewildered and uncertain. Since we cannot return to the past, art offers us a way to overcome despair and fatigue. It helps us explore new forms of life and sensory communication within our time," according to the curatorial team.
The idea for "Does the Flower Hear the Bee?" came from conversations with artists, curators, thinkers, musicians, poets, scientists and writers.
The exhibition conveys the idea that our ability to perceive the world around us – and to adapt to the diverse forms of intelligence within it – depends largely on our own capacity for perception. Its vision lies in the belief that art can guide us toward an unknown future.
The exhibition design draws inspiration from the concept of a garden – not as decoration, but as a spatial philosophy. Visitors are invited to explore and wander freely, rather than follow a fixed route. Artworks are scattered like seeds throughout the Power Station of Art, taking root in halls, corridors and hidden corners alike.
The Power Station of Art will host a series of public programs, including performances, round-table discussions, artist workshops and special lectures during the event.
Date: November 8-March 31, 2026, 11am-7pm (No entry after 6pm, closed on Mondays)
Tickets: 60 yuan (US$8.4)
Venue: Power Station of Art
上海当代艺术博物馆
Address: 678 Miaojiang Rd
苗江路678号
The City Projects Exhibition will extend the Biennale beyond the museum walls into urban Shanghai, with events and installations taking place at venues such as Jia Yuan Hai Art Museum and VILLA tbh.
Details of some of the specific programs are as follows:
'Does the flower hear the bee? (Extended Version)'
花儿听到蜜蜂了吗？（扩展版）
Artists: Maxime Cavajani, Chen Ruofan, Theaster Gates, Liu Shuai, Rirkrit Tiravanija and Zhou Tao
Date: November 8-March 31, 2026, 9:30 am-5:30pm (closed on Mondays)
Venue: Jia Yuan Hai Art Museum
嘉源海美术馆
Address: 39 Dazhi Rd
大治路39号
'Slide, Then Soar!'
演奏，然后起飞！
Artist: Liu Shuai
Dates: November 9-January 4, 2026, 10am-6pm
Venue: VILLA tbh
tbh的小屋
Address: 15 Taojiang Rd
桃江路15号
