The Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) has dedicated its art resources and capabilities into a series of events showcasing China's artistic and design prowess across China and France. The cultural events have been held over several months to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and the China-France Cultural and Tourism Year.

The Light of Dunhuang 

Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, speaks at the opening of "The Light of Dunhuang" exhibition at the China Cultural Center in Paris, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

On Sept. 27, the China Cultural Center in Paris was illuminated by the spirit of cultural fusion. "The Light of Dunhuang — Special Exhibition in Paris and International Symposium on Dunhuang Art Research and Design Achievements," organized by AADTHU, opened as part of China-France Fashion Week, transforming the center into a vivid canvas of ancient Chinese art and modern design. The exhibition was supported by the center and AADTHU's Department of Textile and Fashion Design, and celebrated the timeless elegance and deep historical legacy of Dunhuang art, now viewed through a contemporary lens.

Art and design work inspired by the legacy of Dunhuang was displayed at the exhibition, showcasing an innovative fusion of China's past and present, traditional culture and futuristic visions. Dunhuang, an oasis on the ancient Silk Road, is famous for the extensive Mogao Grottoes art and murals dating back to 366 A.D. These works, which depict Buddhist imagery, intricate murals and vibrant patterns, have captivated generations and serve as an artistic inheritance. 

This time, AADTHU designers, inspired by the art of Dunhuang, have focused more on their artistic expression in a contemporary context. They created novel artworks by combining modern technology with traditional Chinese craftsmanship while integrating artistic elements from Dunhuang into their innovations. 

Ma Sai, dean of AADTHU, highlighted the academy's deep commitment to preserving and interpreting China's cultural heritage. "This China-France Fashion Week allows our faculty and students to share the innovative achievements and unique design concepts of the academy, especially our art research and design achievements related to Dunhuang, reflecting the faculty and students' inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese culture," said Ma, speaking at the exhibition's opening. His words resonated throughout the event, as guests explored works that married ancient motifs with contemporary design, each piece reflecting a narrative of cultural inheritance and artistic experimentation.

The event brought together notable figures from the political, diplomatic and creative spheres of China, France and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from the United Nations and alumni of AADTHU. The international crowd embodied the cross-cultural dialogue at the heart of China-France Fashion Week, a meeting of minds and artistic visions between the East and the West. "The event is a magnificent tapestry that showcases the vibrant development of Chinese fashion and creative design," said Liu Hongge, director of the China Cultural Center in Paris. Liu envisioned the exchange of apparel cultures between the two nations as a vehicle for mutual understanding, and a dialogue that will "foster the integration and mutual learning of fashion and creative cultures."

The exhibition presented works by AADTHU's students, faculty and alumni, and spanned multiple generations of artists. Attendees marveled at works created between the 1940s and '80s by eminent artists such as Pang Xunqin, Lei Kueiyuan, Chang Shana, Chen Hanmin and Liu Jude. These pieces included replica murals, poster designs, batik pattern paintings, cloisonné enamel and other artifacts, each bearing the distinct mark of Dunhuang's ancient artistry. The historical pieces showcased a deep engagement with tradition, embodying the spirit of exploration that has defined AADTHU's art education.

Two dresses inspired by Dunhuang art on display at "The Light of Dunhuang" exhibition at the China Cultural Center in Paris, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

More recent works created over the last two decades by younger AADTHU faculty, alumni and students revealed a forward-looking approach, blending traditional crafts like weaving and embroidery with advanced technologies such as 3D printing and AI-generated graphics. This modern interpretation of Dunhuang art reflected the academy's dynamic approach to cultural heritage, providing a multi-dimensional perspective and exploration space for the future of Chinese art and design.

"China's rich cultural heritage is sure to provide stunning creativity and inspiration for the fusion of traditional culture and modern fashion," said Patrick Baruel, president of the French Commission of Foreign Trade Advisors, as he reflected on how China's extensive cultural heritage is well positioned to influence contemporary design. He added that he is confident in the younger generation of Chinese designers, who he believes will "achieve even greater success through innovative integration."