The China Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia), organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, focuses on the theme “Atlas: Harmony in Diversity.” The exhibit was curated by Wang Xiaosong and Jiang Jun and is divided into two sections. The first section called “Collect” showcases digital archives of 100 ancient Chinese paintings sourced from “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings,” a project that has been ongoing for 19 years and has over 12,405 pieces/sets of ancient Chinese painting treasures. Over 3,000 of these works are housed in institutions outside China, accounting for a quarter of the total works recorded. The paintings will be displayed in archive cabinets and on LED screens.
The second section called “Translate” highlights works by seven Chinese contemporary artists: Che Jianquan, Jiao Xingtao, Qiu Zhenzhong, Shi Hui, Wang Shaoqiang, Wang Zhenghong, and Zhu Jinshi. These artists engage in new creations inspired by the “A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings,” exploring various traditional Chinese painting elements, including architecture, landscapes, figures, and flora and fauna. This section reflects the cultural amalgamation of traditional Chinese literati and emphasizes the inheritance bridging tradition and contemporary art.
The theme of “Atlas: Harmony In Diversity” aims to convey the values of inclusivity, coexistence in unity, and shared beauty with diversity from traditional Chinese culture. The term “atlas” symbolizes the convergence of diverse identities, races, beliefs, ideas, purposes, backgrounds, and cultures worldwide, fostering opportunities for dialogue, communication, and mutual understanding. The exhibition draws inspiration from “Mnemosyne Atlas” by 20th-century German art historian Aby Warburg, using image documentation to compile thematic plates for each artwork. It seeks to forge a connection between traditional Chinese paintings and contemporary art through the juxtaposition of diverse images, while also resonating with global image history, creating a dual linkage between Chinese and foreign, past and present.
The exhibition is set to run from April 20 to November 24, 2024, with a preview held from April 17 to 19, at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.
