"From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco," an exhibition marking 60 years of Chinese-French diplomatic ties, opened Nov. 5 at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing.

Opening ceremony of "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Five Chinese artists — Pang Xunqin, Lei Kueiyuan, Zheng Ke, Wu Guanzhong and Chang Shana — are featured in the exhibition, showcasing works influenced by their experiences studying or living in France during periods of modern artistic transformation.

Chang Shana, 93, the legendary artist and former president of the Central Academy of Arts & Design, which later became the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), attended the exhibition. Her appearance drew applause as she greeted admirers and reconnected with acquaintances.

Rémy Aron, president of the French Association of Arts, greets artist Chang Shana, former president of the Central Academy of Arts & Design, at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Cai Daying, chairman of the China Arts & Crafts Society, speaks at the opening of "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Cai Daying, chairman of the China Arts & Crafts Society, said at the exhibition opening that the event, held on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, carries profound significance.

"Guanghua Road, the former location of the Central Academy of Arts & Design, is both a landmark and spiritual symbol of generations' artistic journey," Cai said. "The Seine River represents not only France but also serves as the Western world's sacred site for the expressivity of contemporary decorative arts. From the Seine to Guanghua Road, and then to Tsinghua campus, this path features the fusion of Western and Eastern artistic theories and the connection between the ancient and the modern, gradually revealing the necessity and possibility of cultural lineage as times evolve."

Cai drew a parallel between the Seine River's historical significance and Tsinghua's role in shaping future artistic development. He emphasized how Guanghua Road has become a symbol of generational dedication to artistic pursuit, with its spirit continuing to inspire new artists.

Eric Lefebvre, director of the Cernuschi Museum, speaks at the opening of "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

"Through this special exhibition, we have the opportunity to look back at the extraordinary contributions made by these five great artists to modern decorative arts and even broader artistic fields," said Eric Lefebvre, director of the Cernuschi Museum. "The combination of the exhibition with seminars is an excellent form of cultural and academic exchange between China and France. We hope today's event will further strengthen the friendly relations between the Chinese and French art communities and foster solid cooperation in the future in fields such as scientific research and publishing."

Cui Donghui, vice dean of the School of Architecture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, speaks at the opening of "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Cui Donghui, vice dean of the School of Architecture at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and a representative of the featured artists' families, said the curatorial team discovered numerous historical stories while researching the exhibition, documenting how crafts and decorative arts developed in daily life.

"This exhibition not only showcases the foundation laid by the predecessors for China's cultural confidence and national cultural development but also commemorates the predecessors of the Central Academy of Arts & Design for their incremental accumulation and contributions in the field of crafts and decorative arts," he said.

Qin Chuan, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) AADTHU Committee, speaks at the opening of "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Qin Chuan, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) AADTHU Committee stated that these pioneers, by focusing on the transformation of society and the aestheticization of daily life, were the vanguards of China's societal evolution and modernization.

"Their spirit and ideals, like a bright lighthouse, always guide the younger generations to keep moving forward," Qin said. "From the school's founding principle of 'art for life, design for livelihood' to upholding the academic banner of 'integrating art and science,' and to the new era objective of 'playing an important role in serving the economic and social development, better serving the high-quality life needs of the people,' the ideals and spirit of the predecessors are always our unchanging spiritual lineage and academic foundation."

At the opening, Qin said he hoped the exhibition, featuring over 360 artworks and artifacts, would highlight the social importance of the decorative arts while honoring history and looking toward humanity's future.

Scholars participate in a seminar during "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Chinese and French experts, scholars, curators, and professional heavyweights gathered for a seminar exploring Art Deco's development. Discussions covered artists' decorative works, arts education, Sino-French cultural exchanges and the role of artistic decoration in contemporary society.

The exhibition marks AADTHU's latest contribution to celebrating the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties and the China-France Cultural and Tourism Year. Previous events also included exhibitions, a symposium, and a fashion show in Paris.

A photo shows a part of the "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" exhibition at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

According to a press release, the exhibition demonstrates how academic ideals and thoughts have been passed down through writings, designs and teaching. These contributions have enhanced the public's quality of life, served the needs of national development, and created numerous compelling and influential achievements that have helped shape China's cultural identity.

The exhibition will run through Feb. 16, 2025.

A visitor reads exhibition text at "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

A photo shows a part of the "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" exhibition held at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing until Feb. 16, 2025. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Guests pose for a group photo at the opening of the "From the Seine to Guanghua Road: Modernization of Art Deco" exhibition at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]