What makes 798 so great? This is the question we were challenged to answer on the second day of the ELO “Through the Lens.” And here is my answer: the combination of loud and quiet in 798’s mood. If 798 had a Pinterest mood board, there would be varying fashion styles, art styles, and music genres. There would be different “cores” and “eras,” making 798 extremely neon, and yet somehow dulled down completely. There is a time and place for everyone and can cater to all in food, art, and shopping environments.
The first place that we went to in 798 was the UCCA, where my group explored two art exhibitions: “Slide/Show” and “Who is He?.” I would say both of these exhibitions were extremely interesting, and their aesthetics were completely different. “Slide/Show” was predominantly in the dark, and explored the history of photo slideshows, and how they created power and privilege in China. It described how slideshows helped contemporary Chinese art become popular in the 1980s. “Who is He?” was a retrospective about Geng Jianyi, one of the Chinese most influential contemporary artists. With a variation of mediums and quotes, the exhibition showed how Geng Jianyi continuously created groundbreaking art, pushing the limits of contemporary art. Both exhibitions had a sense of nostalgia, looking back in time to the growth of contemporary art, and their influences.
Perhaps the most expensive shop I went to was the Li Pi Record Store, where everything was over 200 RMB. I did not buy anything but settled with scanning through their extensive vinyl collection. If you enjoy music from classical to 70s rock to 2000s pop music to rap, or the Shrek movie soundtrack, even if you don’t have a record player, this is the place for you. I found myself completely immersed in the store’s atmosphere, and ultimately asked the worker there to put on David Bowie’s live album “Bowie Live,” just to hear him perform Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide (which I think the workers hated, but do I really care? (no)). You would have to DRAG me out of the door of that shop to make me leave because all of my absolute favourite artists were all there as a physical copy of their music ON VINYL. Like are you joking? AND ABBEY ROAD WAS ONLY LIKE 280 RMB. Absolutely nuts. They have the minions soundtrack too, so really, what’s not to like?
Another thing that makes 798 great: wandering around and going nowhere. Honestly, even just chilling on the side of the road was extremely entertaining, because no two places in 798 are the same. It’s loud and comfortable; modern, minimalistic buildings contrasted with those that are literally falling apart at the seams. Shops sell different merchandise, leatherwork, CDs, movie posters, art supplies, you name it, they’ve got it. Most of the day consisted of me wandering around 798, buying nothing and having the time of my life (and not taking many photos). But this is the selfie that won the best selfie so… 🤷♂️
