"Dreamweaving of the East and the West: Sino-Italian Contemporary Printmaking Exchange Exhibition" Unveiled in Shanghai

On April 2, marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the "Dreamweaving of the East and the West: Sino-Italian Contemporary Printmaking Exchange Exhibition" unveiled at Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art. 15 Italian printmakers and 15 Chinese artists jointly presented nearly 100 artworks. The exhibition will run until June 2.

Opening ceremony

[Photo by Di Quan]

At the exhibition, Italian copper etchings and wood engravings echoed with Chinese watercolor woodcuts and modern abstract prints. Wu Qiang, member of Standing Committee of Hongkou District Committee of CPC and Minister of Communication Department, stated, “From Marco Polo's Travels to the East seven centuries ago to Matteo Ricci's promotion of Sino-Western cultural exchanges in the late Ming Dynasty, and today's artistic dialogue through printmaking—this exhibition extends the 2,000-year history of cultural exchanges between China and Italy. The "mutual learning" spirit of the Silk Road has always been its core.”

Participating artists guiding visitors at the exhibition 

[Photo by Di Quan]

As a historic witness to China's modern cultural integration, Hongkou District's role as a crossroads for Sino-Italian artistic dialogue through printmaking is no coincidence, as it was the birthplace of the New Woodcut Movement initiated by Lu Xun and the cradle of modern Chinese printmaking. By inviting artists from both nations to engage in aesthetic dialogue via printmaking, the district reaffirms its cultural gene of "embracing diversity".

Foreign visitors admiring the exhibition

[Photo by Di Quan]

During the exhibition, some engaged artists from China and Italy will present the exhibition to communities around the museum and lead printmaking workshops with students on special campus days. They will also conduct sketching and creation sessions themed "Suzhou Creek and Huangpu River" in areas including the North Bund and Duolun Road.

A foreign visitor admiring the exhibition

[Photo by Di Quan]

The "Fall in Love with North Bund" brand has commissioned over 100 city-themed works from more than 60 renowned artists since it was launched five years ago. The newly launched "Meet at North Bund" International Artist Residency Program marks an upgrade to this brand. Focusing on the core of "art-empowered urban development," and aiming at building the North Bund into a global art dialogue hub, the program invites global artists to reside in the area, create North Bund-themed works, and promote international tours and collections.

At the opening ceremony, three Italian participating artists were awarded certificates for the North Bund International Artist Residency Program. (Text by Guo Hongmin)