Chinese Contemporary Fiber Art Exhibition and Sino-French Fiber Art Forum were held in Paris
On October 7th, the “Weaving Chapters” – Contemporary Fiber Art Exhibition and Sino-French Fiber Art Forum took place at the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris, marking a significant milestone in cultural exchange.
We had the opportunity to speak with Liu Hongge, the director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris, who spoke alongside notable figures such as Ma Sai, the Dean of the Tsinghua University School of Fine Arts; Deputy Dean Yang Dongjiang; Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee Wang Xiaoxin; and Yue Song, the head of the Craft Arts Department and curator of the event. More than a hundred guests from both China and France gathered to celebrate the opening ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Liu highlighted the crucial role that fiber art plays in connecting Chinese and French cultures. He pointed out the impact of French painter and renowned tapestry artist Jean Lurcat, whose exhibitions in China greatly influenced the exploration and growth of Chinese fiber art. Liu also remarked on the significant effects that the introduction of Chinese silk to France has had. The artworks presented in this exhibition are not merely visual spectacles; they serve as emotional expressions and intellectual engagements that reveal the unique emotions, diverse perspectives, and boundless creativity of Chinese fiber artists.
Ma Sai expanded on the rich history of cultural exchange between China and France in the realm of fiber and textile art. He noted that since the 1980s, fiber art has been recognized in China as an independent modern art form, drawing inspiration from and preserving the country’s rich traditional culture while achieving notable international success. Ma expressed his excitement about the return of “Chinese Wind” to the artistically vibrant city of Paris, stating that the event undoubtedly enhances cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Rémy Aron, the president of the French Artists Association, shared his experiences from two decades spent in China, where he discovered a longstanding tradition in decorative arts. He emphasized the close relationship between visual and decorative art in France, noting how these two forms beautifully complement one another. Aron took the opportunity to express his hope for the future of Sino-French friendship, envisioning new heights in artistic creation and various fields, contributing to the advancement of human civilization and the promotion of global harmony and peace.
After the opening ceremony, the Sino-French Fiber Art Forum took place, moderated by Yue Song. Key speakers included Ni Yuehong, head of the Fiber Art and Design Committee of the Chinese Craft Arts Society; Pascal-François Bertrand, a professor of art history at Bordeaux Montaigne University; Steen Halbro, a professor at the National School of Decorative Arts in France; and Zhang Baohua, associate director of the Fashion Design Department at Tsinghua University. Each speaker addressed various aspects of fiber art as it intersects between China and France.