Celebrate the holidays with a selection of works from Migrant Bird Space! Christmas is a season of wonder, reflection, and connection—a time when traditions are cherished, stories are shared, and moments of stillness invite us to contemplate the world around us. Grounding ourselves in the essence of Christmas, we have curated a selection of works that resonate with the spirit of this holiday, ranging from sketches and paintings to sculptures and photographs

Christmas is steeped in stories passed down through generations, from ancient fables to contemporary tales of hope and redemption. In Geng Xue’s "Mr. Sea No.16 / Parallel Light," she reimagines a classic Chinese legend, drawing parallels to the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and transformation—although not intentionally created with the holiday in mind, her works remind us of the deeper connections and traditions we celebrate each year. Similarly, Wu Wei’s "Berlin Book" weaves together historical fragments, offering a valuable reminder of the enduring value of heritage and the lessons we carry forward as we say goodbye to the year and look ahead. The magic of Christmas is also often found in imagination and wonder. Works like Hajek’s "Blutender Finger" and Olszczynski’s "Patera" evoke them, blending dreams with reality in ways that echo the whimsical yet contemplative spirit of the season. For many, now is a time to return home, away from the city. There, we reconnect with nature’s quiet beauty. Fu Xiaodong’s intimate sketches, "Xi Hai" and "Chronicle of the Lake," capture this appreciation for the natural world, reflecting the serenity and mindfulness inspired by the season. Meanwhile, Gan Haoyu’s "Song Dynasty Tricolor Carved Three Rabbits Bow" reminds us of nature’s gifts and the intricate relationships between humanity, craft, and the earth. For those spending the holidays far from their roots, Fu's "Arborescence" offers a vision of cultural fusion, blending diverse influences into a tranquil, harmonious landscape—a reflection of the many ways we celebrate and belong. There is nothing more pronounced than love during this season—after all, is that not why “Love Actually” is such a classic Christmas movie? Love manifests in myriad forms: the tender embrace of a mother in Luo Yang’s "Luo Juning," the intimacy of lovers captured in Gulu’s blurred cityscape photography, or a solitary figure savoring her own company in "Christmas." Do they remind you of the ones you love or how you love? As the holiday season brings families together, Xia Peng’s "Mythical Guardian Beasts" invites reflection on the delicate balance between chaos and harmony, individuality and unity. Much like family gatherings, his work reveals layers of meaning and emotion that require patience and deeper understanding. It reminds us to navigate these dynamics with care, appreciating the beauty in the complexity of human connections. Which of these works resonates most with you?