The artists form a defensive wall with their bodies in front of a studio slated for demolition.

They wrap themselves in quilts to seal out the bitter winter winds as they stand in formation, ready to protect their turf.

The scene is part of the performance Resolution in 008 Art Zone. The area is the second stop of the Warm Winter project, a touring art exchange among 20 of Beijing’s art zones. It’s intended to unite artists in the battle against unjust forced demolitions and encourage them to stand up for their lawful rights.

More than 10 art zones in Chaoyang district have received eviction notices from property developers since last August. These include Dongying, Zhengyang Creative, 008, Xiedaoxi, Beigao and Suojiacun. The demolitions impact more than 1,000 artists in the capital.

Without presenting official documentation or providing compensation, developers have harassed and threatened artists. They have cut off water and electricity to the art zones, and forcefully demolished the studios.

Zhengyang and 008 were mostly leveled within a week after the eviction notices’ issuances.

Liu Yi, an early settler in 008 Art Zone, is one of the few “nail residents” refusing to budge.

His studio, which stands out among the rubble by virtue of still standing at all, has become the zone’s main showroom for Warm Winter.

While the building’s first floor is full of placards and artworks, the second level is nearly vacant. His packed-up books are heaped on the floor.

“I haven’t yet made any plans for the future,” the modern ink painter and furniture designer says.

The 46-year-old, who signed a 30-year contract with 008 Art Zone’s developer, smiles bitterly. “I thought I could spend my rest of life here,” he says.

Since the Yuanmingyuan Artist Village was cleared in the early 1990s, it has become common for artists to often be forced to relocate.

Engraving and installation artist Li Qiang, who came to Beijing in 2008, has moved from 008 to Xiedaoxi and then to Huantie Art Zone in less than two years.

“I’ve practically become a professional studio decorator,” the 44-year-old jokes.

Li started paying attention to China’s urbanization in 1999. He monitored not only the development of rural villages but also of those within metropolises.