The artist Wang Wei poses for a photo with her piece, "Sunflower". [Photo by Yu Yao/chinadaily.com.cn]

On the darker themes of conflict, a Beijing exhibition at the Dong Yue Art Museum is inspired by war poetry and opens Monday March 16 at 6pm. 'A Meditation in Time of War' by Yeats offers inspiration for artists like Ciaran Magill who presents a series of hypnotic watercolors of young soldier. In response to the poems of Wing Tek Lum, Gail Ritchie uses the symbolism of a plum to represent the human form in a sensitive photographic series.

"I am particularly interested in highlighting interconnections between disparate cultures and groups, engaging in conversations which enable people to understand each other better," said Fion Gunn, chief curator and founder of Irish Wave.

"I am delighted to be part of such a high profile international event and pleased that the work will be seen by such a diverse audience at home and abroad. It's a great opportunity for all the artists involved to highlight the quality of contemporary art being produced in Northern Ireland," exhibiting artist Gail Ritchie said.

If you go:

March 15-22. Inter Art Center, 798 Art Zone, Seven star Main Street, No. 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing.