China‘s rich cultural heritage takes centre stage at the Venice Art Biennale as hundreds of ancient paintings and contemporary artworks make a transcontinental journey from Zhengzhou in Henan province to Italy. The exhibition, titled “Atlas: Harmony in Diversity,” unfolds at China’s National Pavilion, offering a captivating exploration of Chinese artistry through prints, videos, sculptures, installations, and performances.
A highlight of the exhibition is its homage to the monumental project “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings,” which meticulously catalogues images of paintings spanning over 2,000 years. Divided into two sections, the showcase provides a comprehensive view of Chinese artistry, past, and present.
The archival section presents 100 high-fidelity prints of revered Chinese paintings housed in museums worldwide, accompanied by documents detailing their journey from creation to acquisition. This segment serves as a bridge between cultures, offering insights into the historical and artistic significance of these treasures beyond China’s borders.
Complementing the archival display are contemporary works by acclaimed artists, each drawing inspiration from themes prevalent in ancient Chinese paintings. From architecture and landscapes to figures and gardens, these modern interpretations seek to make Chinese art more accessible to Western audiences by employing familiar artistic languages.
Curator Wang Xiaosong emphasizes the exhibition’s mission to showcase the beauty and cultural essence of Chinese ink paintings, bridging cultural gaps through art. Through installations like Zhu Jinshi’s “Rice Paper Pagoda,” which juxtaposes traditional symbols with global perspectives, viewers are invited to contemplate the universality of artistic motifs across cultures.
Che Jianquan’s video installation “Pavilion” offers a visual journey through time and space, juxtaposing images of a pavilion on Lushan Mountain with pavilions from around the world. This multimedia approach highlights the interconnectedness of cultural symbols and invites viewers to explore the nuances of cultural expression.
Qiu Zhenzhong’s “Status Series” sculptures pay homage to calligraphy, the foundation of Chinese ink painting, by replicating brush strokes in concrete lines. This integration of traditional techniques with contemporary materials underscores the enduring relevance of Chinese artistic traditions in the modern world.
Adding a dynamic dimension to the exhibition is Wang Zhenghong’s performance art, where the artist interacts with visitors while adorned with 10,000 bird-shaped accessories. This whimsical yet profound gesture embodies the spirit of ancient Chinese paintings, which often feature birds as symbols of freedom and inspiration.
Incorporating poetry, nature, and cultural symbols, the exhibition offers a holistic representation of Chinese artistic heritage, inviting audiences to engage with its timeless beauty and cultural significance. As China continues to assert its cultural presence on the global stage, exhibitions like “Atlas: Harmony in Diversity” serve as poignant reminders of the enduring legacy of Chinese artistry.
