An exhibition featuring Dunhuang artwork by Chang Shana, a 94-year-old renowned artist who dedicated her life to the promotion of Dunhuang art held its opening ceremony in Beijing on Monday.
The exhibition under the theme of "everlasting beauty of Dunhuang—the exhibition of Chang Shana's eighty years of art and design" was organized by the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, also known as the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum.
A total of 396 pieces of Chang's works since 1945 have been exhibited, including her copies of Dunhuang murals and her sketches of floral patterns and architectures. Many of these works are displayed for the first time.
Chang's passion for Dunhuang culture promotion was inspired by her father Chang Shuhong (1904-1994), who is often referred to as the pioneer of introducing Dunhuang art. She started studying ancient Chinese murals at a young age and learned to combine traditional decorative patterns with modern design concepts.
"I followed in my father's steps to promote the culture of Dunhuang through the exhibition, 'everlasting beauty of Dunhuang'. My father kept telling me that I should never forget I have my root in Dunhuang. It is never too late to promote the culture there. I will keep doing that as long as can move around," Chang said.
Chang's contribution has won the recognition of the art community as she was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the highest accolade in the art community.
"Ms Chang has dedicated her whole lifetime to put Dunhuang art patterns into such categories as character, costume, jewelry, animals, plants and architecture. What's the point of doing all this? Well, it helps we Chinese people to trace our cultural roots," said Cui Donghui, deputy dean of the School of Architecture of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Chang, a true believer in the idea that designers should always keep up with the times, hopes to reach out specifically to young audience through this exhibition and let more people get a glimpse of the beauty of Chinese culture and apply it in their lives.
Dunhuang, a city in west China's Gansu Province, boasts distinctive culture that is best represented by the Mogao Grottoes, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Dating back to the 4th century, the site features 735 caves carved into a cliff, currently housing more than 2,000 colorful sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals.
Renowned artist's dedication to promotion of Dunhuang art displayed in Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at Zhongnanhai in Beijing, during which they had in-depth exchanges on strategic issues of common concern.
The world is undergoing changes unseen in a century and entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, Xi noted, adding that in the face of the ever-evolving world landscape with volatility and turmoil, China has maintained its strategic resolve.
He said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome various difficulties and challenges, and are striving to promote high-quality development and Chinese modernization.
China is willing to work with Russia and other countries to enhance solidarity and cooperation, steer global governance in the right direction, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and promote world peace and common development, Xi said.
Noting that China's development is unstoppable and that no force can contain China's growth and progress, Putin said that Russia is willing to improve cooperation with China and other Global South countries to promote international fairness and justice, and to work toward a more equal and multipolar world.
The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis.
Xi elaborated on China's consistent position and efforts to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine issue, stressing that to deal with any major issue, it is necessary to address both the symptoms and the root causes, and to plan for the present as well as for the long term.
He said the core of the Global Security Initiative is advocating the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and the fundamental solution to the Ukraine issue is to promote the establishment of a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
Xi said China supports the convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time with equal participation and fair discussion of all options, so as to push for an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, and China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
Putin introduced the relevant views and positions of Russia, saying that Russia appreciates China's objective, just and balanced position on the Ukraine issue and welcomes China to continue to play an important and constructive role in the political settlement of the issue. Russia is committed to resolving the Ukraine issue through political negotiations and is willing to demonstrate sincerity and maintain close communication with China in this regard, he said.
Xi said that over the years, they have had many meetings and every exchange has been candid, in-depth and fruitful.
Xi said he is ready to stay in close contact with President Putin and work together to steer the development of China-Russia relations in the right direction, guide the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to achieve steady and lasting progress, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and contribute to world security and stability.
Putin thanked Xi for his warm hospitality, saying that he is willing to maintain close communication with Xi, implement the important consensus reached between them, and ensure the full development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
Xi holds restrictive meeting with Putin at Zhongnanhai
