Not long ago, the Light of Integration: China-Pakistan Art Exchange Exhibition opened at the Art Museum of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University.
Themed Integration and Dialogue, the two-week exhibition is divided into three sections: “Gandhara”, “Maijishan Grottoes” and “Light of Integration”, among which the Gandhara sculptures on display are all reproduced through technical scanning, 3D printing and other new technologies.
Various Gandhara sculptures reproduced by the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University
“I am delighted to see this exhibition providing a platform for both Pakistani and Chinese artists to showcase their creativity, talent, and vision. Through these artistic expressions, we gain a deeper insight into the rich cultural landscapes of both countries, while also highlighting the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening our longstanding partnership,” H. E. Khalil Hashmi, Pakistani Ambassador to China, said in his congratulatory speech.
he Ambassador pointed out at the opening ceremony that the China-Pakistan friendship is based on mutual respect and common values, which is flourishing just like the “Light of Integration” advocated by this exhibition.
A portrait of Pakistani youth painted by Chinese painter
The reporter learned that the Gandhara section was unveiled for the first time. It was initiated by the Academy of Arts & Design and supported by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to carry out a digital Gandhara art research project, which is also the first time that a Chinese university has carried out a systematic research project on the cultural and artistic heritage of Gandhara using digital technology.
“This significant join effort focuses on the digitization of Gandhara’s artistic heritage, a priceless legacy the represents centuries of cultural and artistic evolution in the region. With the advanced technology and research capabilities of Academy of Arts& Design, Tsinghua University, this initiative aims to preserve, study, and showcase the rich Gandharan art for audience,” Dr. Abdul Samad, Director of Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted.
The “Light of Integration” section brings together 121 artworks from China and Pakistan, covering painting, sculpture, and installation, showing the in-depth considerations and personal expressions of artists from the two countries.
Works of Pakistani artists on display
“Art language transcends national boundaries and cultural barriers and becomes an important medium to express and interpret people and society in a specific historical period,” a student from the Academy of Arts & Design who came to visit the exhibition, told. “Appreciating the works of artists from both countries can not only feel the artistic charm of different cultural sources, but also find common spiritual harmony in the dialogue between the two nations. Just as Gandhara art was integrated with local civilization during its eastward spread and Sinicization, creating the grotto art of the Silk Road, I believe this is a dialogue that transcends national boundaries, as well as a very beneficial way to inspire our creations.”
“The exhibition aims to decode the spiritual genes common to civilizations through art. China and Pakistan are two birthplaces of human civilization. Throughout the long river of history, the two civilizations have inspired and influenced each other,” emphasized Zhang Gan, professor at the Academy of Arts & Design, as the chief curator.
Just as Vice Dean of the Academy Dong Shubing mentioned in the exhibition preface, “to quote a Chinese poem, ‘True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between t
