Mao Weitao, a famous Yue Opera artist, emphasized the importance of engaging today's audience to keep Chinese traditional art performances vibrant and relevant.
With the immersive show "New Dragon Gate Inn" gaining increasing attention and popularity, especially among young audience, Yue Opera, a century-old theatrical form in China, has found new vitality.
As the art director of the Yue Opera show, Mao said that today's growing cultural needs drive people to understand Chinese traditional dramas and connect more deeply with such performances.
"The 'New Dragon Gate Inn' isn't meant to represent all of Yue Opera. You can first watch it for fun only. Once you get a foot in the door, you'll start noticing the nuances. You'll see the artistry of traditional Chinese drama, particularly how Yue Opera, especially all-female Yue Opera, brings this art form to life. Whether it's Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, Yue Opera, or even a stage play, a dance drama, or a musical, everyone can enjoy it. I believe we all need a bit of cultural nourishment, a domain where we can fulfill our pursuit of culture," she said.
In addition, Mao pointed out that the key issue she is concerned with is the lasting appeal and influence of traditional cultural performances.
"Whether it's the face-changing of Sichuan Opera, the fire-breathing of ancient performances, or the graceful water sleeves and fans, there's nothing you can't understand as long as they convey emotions and help with emotional expression. The real question is how can we make it even better? How can we sustain this burst of interest for longer? Once performers have genuinely engaged with their audience, could some of them create true masterpieces that can leave a lasting legacy?" said Mao.
Chinese Yue Opera artist calls for lasting appeal of traditional art to modern audience
A contemporary Chinese art exhibition has been held at the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest, playing a vibrant role in fostering cultural ties between the East and the West. The exhibits, including brush paintings and sculptures on mountains, rivers, plants, blend traditional brushwork with Western influences, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
The artists' deep connection with the natural world is a window that the "Chinese Xieyi exhibition'' at the Hungarian National Museum presents to the public to explore Chinese philosophy, according to Tunde FegyvAri-Komori, curator of the Hungarian National Museum.
"This exhibition is a collection of 58 artworks, including four sculptures from 58 different artists, from the National Art Museum of China's collection. And they represent modern and contemporary artworks, partly reflecting back to the traditional Chinese painting and Chinese art, and partly reflecting to Western influences in art, which mostly started arriving in China after the 1970s and the 80s," said FegyvAri-Komori.
Much of the exhibition showcases traditional Chinese brushwork, where delicate strokes create intricate designs and meanings that express deep philosophical meanings, allowing viewers to experience the world from their perspective.
"The Chinese curators constructed the exhibition around these three topics and these three main aspects to approach Xieyi itself. The first one is called 'yi', which translates as meaning. This focuses on the essence of the topic. The second one is form, which in Chinese is 'xing,' and it's quite similar to meaning, but from a different approach. They are focusing on the form itself that they see, but they are not aiming at mirroring reality. The third one is called 'interest,' or in Chinese called 'qu.' And in this last part, I would say that it's a combination of the first two," said FegyvAri-Komori.
One standout piece is a sculpture that blends mythology and modern art, depicting Lao Tzu departing from the Qin Empire (221 BC to 207 BC), carrying the wisdom that shaped Taoist thought with him. The ox-head panther he rides symbolizes mysticism and the spiritual journey, adding another mythical dimension to the work.
"It expresses Xieyi very well, but at the same time, it also expresses a little bit of Western modern art, abstract art," said FegyvAri-Komori.
For many visitors, the exhibition is a chance to experience the dynamic evolution of Chinese art.
"My father had several books about Chinese art, about porcelains, ceramics, and paintings. It always struck me how different it is from our European tradition. There's a subtlety and sensitivity in it. The way they express emotions feels so unique and profound," said Daniel, a visitor.
The exhibition, part of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and China, celebrates cultural exchange and shared appreciation for art and culture.
Contemporary Chinese art expo held in Hungary helps cultivate ties between east and west
