I recently had the pleasure of interviewing representatives from the Central Academy of Fine Arts about the thrilling “YANG美·固安” exhibition, which highlights their cultural and educational collaboration with Gu’an’s non-material cultural heritage. The exhibition, which has recently opened in Gu’an, has been garnering significant attention from visitors.
The organizers shared that faculty and students from the academy devoted three months to exploring traditional crafts in Gu’an, including egg carving, willow weaving, embroidery, and Zhang’s gourd art. Their goal was to both uncover and innovate upon the area’s rich traditional culture. By blending heritage preservation with creative innovation, the exhibition features a diverse array of artworks, transforming Gu’an into a vibrant artistic “new landscape.” This gives audiences a fresh perspective that showcases the dynamism and charm of non-material culture while also celebrating contemporary artistic expression.
I discovered that the exhibition employs experimental art to manifest its visions, seeking new opportunities within the current artistic landscape. It actively encourages students and faculty to collectively delve into this “materialization” as a form of experimental accumulation, opening up avenues for public and social engagement in art and revitalizing social aesthetics in the process.
Wang Xiaolin, the Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, elaborated on their strategic development plan aimed at integrating art with modern industrial systems. She noted that the exhibition exemplifies this approach. “Gu’an is rich in non-material cultural heritage, and it represents a significant asset for cultural diversity. Our faculty and students have engaged deeply with local heritage projects, such as Beijing embroidery and willow weaving, learning from folk artists and producing 23 innovative experimental works that illustrate the creative transformation and development of traditional culture,” she explained.
The “YANG美·固安” exhibition signifies a profound integration of education and culture, facilitating meaningful exchanges and collaborations with local communities. Through artistic creation, academic research, public art displays, and unique cultural performances, the exhibition merges tradition with modernity. Luo Meng, Chairman of Beijing Caishi Cultural Group, emphasized that the initiative fully showcases the cultural wealth of Gu’an while exploring the intersection of unique cultural heritage and contemporary art, thus fostering growth in the cultural industry. Professor Zhang Guolong from the Academy highlighted that the “materialization” in experimental art encourages the discovery of new possibilities, infusing fresh energy into social aesthetics.
Co-hosted by the Gu’an Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, alongside the School of Experimental Art and Technology at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the exhibition is just one facet of what’s happening in the area. The inaugural “Charming Jingnan: Artistic Gu’an” Cultural and Arts Festival will include a series of performances and workshops, such as lacquer fan-making, printmaking, and pottery experiences. This vibrant cultural arts initiative is set to engage the local community and will continue through October 7.
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