XI NIU Gallery

rhinoceros roma has unveiled ‘XI NIU: In Search of New Routes’, a new contemporary art exhibition exploring the connections between China and Europe through the lens of the historic Silk Road. About rhinoceros roma has unveiled ‘ XI NIU: In Search of New Routes’ , a new contemporary art exhibition exploring the connections between China and Europe through the lens of the historic Silk Road. The exhibition is on show at rhinoceros roma’s rhinoceros gallery, established by Alda Fendi of the prestigious fashion dynasty in 2018 in a bid to make art free and accessible to all. Curated by independent curator Claire Shiying Li , the ‘XI NIU’ exhibition brings together seven leading Chinese artists and artist duos working across painting, sculpture, film and mixed media. ‘XI NIU’ explores the Silk Road as a network through which ideas, knowledge, materials, beliefs and cultures have travelled between East and West for centuries. Bringing together Cao Minghao and Chen Jianjun , Hao Liang , Han Mengyun , Xie Fan , Xie Nanxing , Zhao Gang and Zhou Yilun , ‘XI NIU’ offers a fresh perspective on contemporary China, one shaped by journeys, encounters and the exchange of ideas across borders. The artists’ residency at rhinoceros roma has introduced a unique perspective to their work, blending Chinese-inspired art with their traditionally Roman surroundings. Artist Xie Fan will create new terracotta works inspired by the Roman sunset during his residency at rhinoceros roma, while Zhou Yilun will reinterpret traditional Chinese folding screens using discarded materials sourced in Rome. Standing as a beacon of European luxury travel, rhinoceros roma, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, boasts 25 fully stocked apartments alongside its avant-garde art gallery. Traces of ‘XI NIU’ are found throughout the property, from specially designed sparkling water cans and Chinese-inspired artwork to vending machines stocked with classic Chinese childhood snacks. At rooftop restaurant Retrobottega , artist Xie Fan brought Mapo Tofu from Chengdu to Rome, inspiring chef Alessandro Miocchi to create Gelato Salato, a savoury ice cream incorporating Douchi, the fermented black bean used in the dish, which remains on the menu today. HOW: The XI NIU Exhibition is on show at rhinoceros gallery from now until the 6th of January 2027. Rates at rhinoceros roma start from €400 per apartment, per night. City tax not included. For more information, visit: https://xiniu.rhinocerosroma.com/ . Read more Toggle Design / Fashion Installation Painting