In the city renowned globally for its rich artistic legacy and its wealth of museums, Paris, an extraordinary exhibition was hosted recently, showcasing the depth and diversity of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. This unique exhibition took place in the Carrousel du Louvre, bringing together an array of both contemporary and traditional Chinese art forms, granting the public a captivating glimpse into the richness of Chinese culture.
The exhibition was not merely a visual feast; it was also an immersive sensory experience. It encompassed an eclectic range of artistic expressions, from the intricate papercutting, an art form that can be traced back over 1,600 years, to the mesmerizing Yi dance, which has endured for over two millennia. Moreover, it offered a display of the exquisite craftsmanship of Ru kiln ceramics and the striking beauty of Sichuan brocade and Suzhou embroidery.
Among the stunning array of cultural spectacles, the traditional dance of the Yi people emerged as an extraordinary highlight. An enduring art form with roots extending back thousands of years, the Yi dance is steeped in ritual and musical tradition. You Jinliang, founder and president of the Shenzhen Yi Dance Culture Research Institute, shared his insights about this deeply symbolic and cherished art form.
“Yi dance is a symbol of ritual and musical civilization, a symbol of the Chinese culture of courtesy, and is one of the most precious spiritual treasures of our human civilization,” said You. “We have brought Yi dance to France in the hope that all human beings, modern human beings, will embrace this wisdom of ancient times.”
Another spotlight was on Li Kemin, an artisan of Ru Kiln ceramics, a distinctive and rare form of Chinese porcelain noted for its duck-egg blue glaze. Li, as an inheritor of this artistic tradition, emphasized his role in promoting and preserving this exquisite art form. “As an inheritor of Ru porcelain, I have the responsibility of passing on this tradition, not only in China but on a larger scale, like here today in Paris, to bring Chinese porcelain to the global stage,” he expressed.
The objective of bridging the gap between the ancient and modern world was strongly emphasized by Ya Ding, the president of the Association for the Development of France-China Exchange. Ya has been keenly invested in introducing Chinese art and craftsmanship to a younger audience through innovative and interactive experiences.
“Famous painters are asked to make an unfinished painting and then we call on children all over the world to complete it. It’s a co-creational game,” Ya shared.
The intricate art of papercutting was another form that received significant attention. Tan Qing, a skilled papercutting artist, emphasized the cultural significance of this craft, stating, “For me, no matter how well a work is done, it’s just a technique. Only when it’s infused with culture, it becomes a piece of art. Through papercutting, we open the door to intangible heritage and Chinese traditional culture.”
Further fostering cultural exchanges and understanding between France and China, another exhibition spotlighting Chinese art and craftsmanship is set to take place in Paris in November, promising to continue this vibrant dialogue between these two rich cultures.
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