Exhibition sparks cultural dialogues in light and shadow at Nanchizi Museum

2025-February-17 14:23 By: GMW.cn

Photo taken on Feb. 16, 2025 shows a shadow puppetry exhibit displayed at the “Shadow Puppetry & Contemporary Art Exhibition” at Nanchizi Museum in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China’s capital city. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

The "Shadow Puppetry & Contemporary Art Exhibition" at Nanchizi Museum in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China’s capital city, presents a captivating fusion of Chinese intangible cultural heritage with modern artistic expression. This unique exhibition showcases shadow puppetry and paper-cutting, two significant forms of folk art, interwoven with contemporary creativity. Both art forms, deeply rooted in tradition, convey timeless stories through the dynamic interplay of light and shadow. While shadow puppetry animates the myriad dramas of life with intricate figures brought to life on illuminated screens, paper-cutting crafts vivid characters that tell classic tales across generations.

The exhibition features the contributions of over ten contemporary artists, who collaborate with three generations of intangible cultural heritage inheritors - master practitioners of shadow puppetry and paper-cutting. These inheritors, with decades of dedication to their craft, provide authentic insights into the origins and evolution of these folk arts. In response, the contemporary artists re-imagine these traditions through diverse media, including painting, sculpture, and interactive installations.

One of the exhibition's highlights is the harmonious interaction between the artworks and the museum's traditional architectural setting. The historic garden design serves as a natural canvas for the art pieces, creating a dialogue between past and present. Through this spatial narrative, visitors are invited to contemplate the enduring relevance of folk traditions in modern life.

Ultimately, the exhibition underscores the importance of cultural preservation and innovation. By blending historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistic perspectives, the "Shadow Puppetry & Contemporary Art Exhibition" demonstrates how tradition can be revitalized and celebrated in the context of modern creativity. It invites audiences to not only witness the evolution of these ancient arts but also to reflect on the collective cultural memory that continues to shape Chinese artistic identity today.

Exhibition sparks cultural dialogues in light and shadow at Nanchizi Museum

Editor: WXY

Exhibition sparks cultural dialogues in light and shadow at Nanchizi Museum

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