This study investigates the transformation of aesthetic practice in contemporary Chinese art during the COVID-19 pandemic through an analysis of artworks exhibited at the 2020 Beijing International Art Biennale. Prior to the pandemic, the Biennale largely emphasised cultural diversity, civilisational dialogue, harmony, and global interconnectedness. The outbreak of COVID-19, however, reshaped artistic priorities, directing attention towards public health, the value of life, collective resilience, and the relationship between humanity and nature. A qualitative content analysis was employed to examine selected artworks portraying medical workers, volunteers, soldiers, and collective anti-pandemic efforts. The analysis focuses on visual elements, symbolism, subject matter, and compositional strategies to explore how artists responded to the social and cultural realities of the pandemic. The findings suggest a clear shift in aesthetic practice from globally oriented themes towards representations of care, collective memory, social responsibility, and solidarity. Heroic realism, emotional symbolism, and documentary-inspired imagery became prominent visual approaches for commemorating sacrifice, expressing resilience, and reinforcing shared social values. Rather than functioning solely as an international exhibition, the Beijing International Art Biennale became a significant platform for reflecting collective experience during a period of global uncertainty. The study demonstrates how contemporary Chinese artists redefined aesthetic practice in response to crisis while contributing to broader discussions on the relationship between art, society, and historical change.
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