An enlightening symposium

Cultural and academic experts take part in the International Symposium on Dunhuang Art Research and Design Achievements at the China Cultural Center in Paris, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

The International Symposium on Dunhuang Art Research and Design Achievements opened to a gathering of cultural and academic luminaries from countries including China, France and the United Kingdom. Held at the China Cultural Center in Paris, the event explored the enduring influence of Dunhuang art on contemporary design, examining how one of China's oldest artistic traditions resonates in today's global cultural landscape.

The symposium brought together diverse voices from the art, fashion and academic worlds. Professor Li Yingjun, head of AADTHU's Department of Textile and Fashion Design, who chaired the event, set the tone for a vibrant exchange of ideas. Highlighting the goals of "inheritance, innovation and dissemination," he explained that the event aimed to create "a more diversified narrative system." Attendees from various fields fully displayed the immense potential of cultural diversity and cross-cultural interaction, making the convergence of diverse perspectives a valuable opportunity to deepen international cultural understanding. By combining static exhibitions with active dialogue, Li noted, the event pushed the boundaries of fashion expression and cultural communication.

The event traced the roots of Chinese artistry in France. AADTHU dean Ma Sai recounted the influence of early 20th-century Chinese artists who traveled to Paris to study at the forefront of global art. Artists like Pang Xunqin, Lei Kueiyuan and Chang Shana later returned to China, invigorated by the world's artistic currents, and inspired to explore and elevate Chinese art traditions. Reflecting on AADTHU's evolution, Ma described the academy's journey from studying ancient art to innovatively transforming it, producing works that pay respect to China's cultural legacy while engaging with modern design.

Rémy Aron, a French painter and president of the French Association of Arts, shared his perspective on China-France artistic exchange, observing that the divide between decorative and fine arts in France since the 19th century often limited creative potential. He recalled his recent encounter with the intricate work of AADTHU professor Chang Shana, which he described as a revelation of Chinese art's unique depth. He expressed hope that dialogues like the symposium would encourage mutual enrichment and sustain Dunhuang's heritage.

Rémy Aron, president of the French Association of Arts, speaks at the International Symposium on Dunhuang Art Research and Design Achievements at the China Cultural Center in Paris, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Adding to the chorus of voices, Ira de Puiff, a journalist at the French fashion magazine Biba, underscored the role of art as the bedrock of fashion. "Painting is the root of fashion design," Puiff observed, highlighting the potential of combining Dunhuang's rich artistic legacy with contemporary themes like sustainability. This fusion, she suggested, could propel Chinese art and culture to new heights, offering avenues for innovation in a global context.

Claudine Rousseau, representing the London College of Fashion, emphasized the significance of "cultural self-identity" amid a blend of global influences. She encouraged students to keep innovation at the core of their design while celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds. Fashion, she argued, must navigate the delicate balance between embracing cross-cultural exchange and preserving cultural uniqueness. Rousseau voiced her hope to strengthen collaborations with AADTHU, particularly in exploring intersections of fashion and technology.

Continuing the theme of traditional innovation, AADTHU professor Li Wei delivered a keynote speech on the importance of cultural awareness in design, cautioning that modern adaptations should aim for authenticity over superficial applications. "Innovation should be grounded in a sense of identity and history," she noted. She further expressed her hope that Chinese fashion would gain recognition in cities like Paris, expanding its influence on the international stage.

Through rich exchanges and a diversity of perspectives, the symposium highlighted how ancient Dunhuang art continues to serve as both an anchor and a springboard for innovation in fashion and design. As fashion's sustainability efforts increasingly intertwine with art, Dunhuang's influence appears poised to extend its reach into new realms, bridging past and future. For attendees, the event was not only a celebration of Dunhuang culture but a milestone in China-France cultural exchange.