A scene from the "Li Xiangqun" exhibition.
Some exhibits on display at "The Path of Integration" exhibition. Photos by Lin Jianping
The Nanshan Museum in Nanshan District has set the stage for two new exhibitions, featuring the debut solo showcase of esteemed sculptor Li Xiangqun and the history of the Xianbei ethnic group.
The exhibition "Li Xiangqun" marked the unveiling of the sculptor's first exhibition named after himself.
With a narrative divided into various sections, the showcase unveils Li's artistic journey in contemporary sculpture, immersing the spectators in a multi-faceted, multi-tiered artistic realm.
Visitors are taken on a journey through six distinct sections: "Towards the Future," "Tradition and Modernity," "History and Reality," "East and West," "Artistic Life," and "Studio," where they experience the fusion of time, culture, and space within the dynamic artworks. Li expertly combines history with reality, tradition with modernity, and nature with humanities through a unique artistic language and exceptional craftsmanship, presenting an unparalleled artistic allure and deep humanistic care.
Among the 41 sculptures showcased, a myriad of classic masterpieces alongside innovative creations are on display for the first time in Shenzhen. Noteworthy pieces include the youth sculpture "Run," a symbolic representation of Shenzhen's youthful vigor and leadership role as a city at the forefront of reform and opening up. Premier showcases like "Wen Tianxiang," "Lu Xun," and "The Way of Heaven" aim to offer a visual spectacle blending sculpture art with aesthetic education, facilitating a cultural dialogue across boundaries of time and space.
Notably, to enrich visitors' comprehension of sculpture art, a dedicated "Studio" section provides a glimpse into the daily exhibition scene of the artist's studio, illustrating the process from clay drafts to the final sculptural forms. This immersive experience bridges the gap between the audience and the art of creation, enhancing the overall exhibition journey.
The other newly staged exhibition, "The Path of Integration — The Migration and Development History of the Xianbei Ethnic Group," features over 160 carefully selected cultural relics. The exhibition unfolds the cultural evolution of the Xianbei people. It chronicles the historical trajectory of the Xianbei society from the mountains and forests to the grasslands, ultimately arriving at the central plains.
Exquisite artifacts like the deer-horn-shaped golden headwear, winged horse-patterned gilded bronze belt buckle, and beast-patterned gold necklaces from the Inner Mongolia Museum captivate visitors, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural exchanges among diverse ethnic groups.
Dates: Feb. 16, 2025 ("Li Xiangqun"); March 23, 2025 ("The Path of Integration")
Venue: Nanshan Museum, Nanshan District
Metro: Line 1 to Taoyuan Station, Exit B