Arithmetic sequences and formulas rack the minds of many who often feel uncomfortable in mathematics class.

But Bernar Venet sees unique structural, minimalist beauty in these puzzling progressions, and, the power of knowledge.

He puts them in his paintings and installations, and applies mathematical precision in his creation of curved steel arches which have made him a leading figure in the conceptual art scene.

The French artist has brought his world of minimalism and sense to Beijing Phoenix Center, an impressive architecture beside Chaoyang Park, where he is holding the largest exhibition so far in a career spanning some 65 years.

Curated by Jonas Stampe and Xiao Ge, Bernar Venet: Beyond Concert and Matter runs until Feb 28.

The works are placed inside the building and outside on the compound. As the audience walks on its platforms and elevated skywalks, they embark on a journey surveying the evolution of Venet's art. And through the all-glass walls of the building, they can see more of Venet's arch installations outside, including one work especially made to mark the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties.

The installation is still under construction, and will be officially unveiled soon.

The exhibition of nearly 180 works introduces the width and depth of Venet's thoughts underlying his art, an experimental spirit and an attitude of rationality that defines his work. They are vividly presented in paintings, drawings, sculptures, images, sound works and films — including his groundbreaking work of 1963, Pile of Coal, in an all-encompassing manner to also show the development of contemporary art in Europe and the United States — where Venet lived for years — after World War II.

Xiao, the co-curator, says Venet's works are of vigor and meanwhile of senses, to convey openness, diversity and a world ever changing and unable to be defined.

At the opening of the exhibition, Venet, born in 1941, gave a performance of which he, with the help of several arched steels hung in midair, created paintings to show the spontaneity of body.

He says though culture is an important thing, it is difficult to exchange as languages are different, but as art is an international language, it is a simpler way to communicate.