Everlasting Beauty of Dunhuang-The Exhibition of Chang Shana's Eighty Years of Art and Design narrates a moving artistic story while showcasing the protection, inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese culture across three historical periods. The exhibition is a historical epitome reflecting the brilliance of Chinese cultural treasures and the extraordinary life of a distinguished artist. Here, we witness the close connection between cultural heritage and human legacy, and comprehend the true essence of art.
Dunhuang's cultural heritage is dazzling, its humanistic legacy is profound and enduring, and figures like Chang Shuhong and his daughter Chang Shana are notable representatives in modern Chinese art history. The importance of Dunhuang to the nation and society lies in three aspects: the historical value of Dunhuang’s artworks to traditional Chinese culture, the significance of Dunhuang art in Chinese art history, and the contribution of Dunhuang culture to contemporary social life. Under the guidance of Lin Huiyin, Chang Shana ventured into design, using the rich cultural context of Dunhuang as a driving force to create new practical art.
In the early 20th century, many predecessors like Chang Shuhong experienced the turmoil and wars, fostering a deep patriotic sentiment. This sentiment was deeply ingrained in their souls and manifested in their actions. Influenced by them, Chang Shana has dedicated her talents to the self-reliance and cultural revitalization of the Chinese nation. She has made significant contributions in artistic creation, design practice and education. In his later years, Chang Shuhong lamented in his autobiography, "If there is an afterlife, I hope to still be Chang Shuhong and fulfill my unfinished wishes!" Now at the age of 94, Chang Shana often says, "How did I get old? I still have so many things to do." She tried her best to seize the opportunities of the new era to fulfill her mission diligently.
Through this exhibition, we can also see that on the path of integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary practice, Chang Shana has, over the past eighty years, developed her unique artistic creation methods and distinctive style through reflection and practice. She often says, "The development of art and design should bridge the past and the present. On one hand, we must excavate and draw from the excellent cultural traditions of our national heritage; on the other hand, we must discover beauty in nature. Whether in design or artistic development, understanding cultural context is the only way to innovate."
Hosted by the China National Arts and Crafts Museum and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, the exhibition showcases nearly 400 works. It is divided into six sections: Biography, Dunhuang Copies, Flower Sketches, Ten Great Buildings, New Applications, and Technology and Art. Many of the documents and artworks on display have been recently compiled by experts and Chang’s family members. For the first time, this exhibition comprehensively presents Chang Shana's artistic and design achievements over her eighty-year career, including her use of Dunhuang’s cultural heritage in shaping the national image of China and her contributions to the inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture. This exhibition is sure to inspire viewers in the new era.
Translator: SHEN Ruixuan
Reviewer: LI An
