Introduction

"Chronicles of Hunan" - A Grand Joint Exhibition of Local Chronicles and Cultural Relics

Hunan, one of the significant cradles of Chinese civilization, boasts a long history and a splendid culture. On this land full of legends, it has witnessed innumerable hardships and glories. Local chronicles are the witnesses of history and the carriers of cultural inheritance. They bear the memories and wisdom of countless years and engrave people's lives and beliefs. When opening the pages of the local chronicles, it is as if the ripples of time are set in motion, and thus the story of Hunan unfolds. This exhibition showcases over 200 pieces (sets) of precious ancient local chronicles, cultural relics collected by the Hunan Museum, the Hunan Library, the Hunan Cultural Center and various museum and cultural institutions across and beyond Hunan. These exhibits cover a wide range of categories such as paintings, calligraphy, bronze wares, ceramics, jades, embroideries and so on. Among them, there are more than 130 pieces (sets) of cultural relics from the Hunan Museum, over 80 pieces (sets) of exhibits from the Hunan Library, and more than 30 pieces (sets) of borrowed cultural relics from within and outside Hunan. The exhibition is divided into seven sections, namely "Chronicles" Linking the Past and Present, "Chronicles" on the Evolution of Administrative Regions, "Chronicles" on Astronomy and Geography, "Chronicles" on Customs and Local Products, "Chronicles" on Ethnic Integration, "Chronicles" on Cultural Heritage and Prominent Figures, and "Chronicles" Reflecting Hunan. In accordance with the style of ancient Chinese local chronicles, it comprehensively showcases "Hunan" in the local chronicles to the audience. This exhibition innovatively combines local chronicles of different dynasties with relevant cultural relics and physical materials in depth, tracing the historical changes of Hunan from ancient times to the present and narrating the stories of Hunan in local chronicles to the audience. Each cultural relic is like a piece of history that has been sealed away, waiting for the audience to decipher its story, while local chronicles are like keys that open the doors to these stories. Through local chronicles, people can read the stories of Hunan, through cultural relics, they can witness the stories of Hunan, through the exhibition, profound historical wisdom can be passed on to every audience.

Introduction

She Walks in Beauty: Women of the Han Dynasty and Rome Empire

As two great civilizations that shine in the East and the West, the Han Dynasty and Rome have reshaped the ancient society structurally. During this prosperous period, the life picture of women has also presented a new look. They, with wisdom and ingenuity, weave a bridge connecting the two civilizations with their fingers; they overthrow stereotypes, challenge new roles in various fields, and shape new traditions; they are full of energy, light up the extraordinary in the ordinary, and look for the lovely serendipity in the world.

This exhibition focuses on women in the Han Dynasty and the Roman Empire, which rose in the East and the West after the Axial Age, and takes the three main scenes of women's lives, such as family life, emotional life and social life, as the context. Through more than 200 exhibits (sets), the rich spiritual world and female power are presented with real objects, and the female in cultural relics are brought back to the historical society, politics and culture, which they belong to, reveal the disappointed female narratives in history, and reflect the general picture of women's life and social roles in the era of the prosperity of Eastern and Western cultures.

"Who comes to mind? She walks in beauty". At this moment, as history and reality communicate, let us walk into the lives of ancient women under the glory of the empire, find the vivid personality and mission of the times they are endowed with, feel the style of women in the Han Dynasty and Rome, and appreciate the infinite charm of ancient civilization.

Introduction

彼美人兮——两汉罗马时期女性文物展

汉朝与罗马作为东西方遥相辉映的两大文明，对古代社会进行了一次结构性重塑。繁盛之下，女性生命图景也呈现出新的风貌。她们，慧心巧思，用指间经纬编织出连接两大文明的桥梁；她们，颠覆刻板，在各个领域挑战新的角色，塑造新的传统；她们，神采奕奕，于平凡中点亮不凡，寻找着万物可爱的小确幸。

本展览以轴心时代之后东西方崛起的汉帝国与罗马帝国的女性为主体，以女性生命中的家庭生活、情感生活以及社会生活等三个主要生活场景为脉络，通过200多件（套）展品，用实物呈现女性丰富的精神世界和女性力量，将历史化了的女性还原到她们所属的社会、政治、文化空间中去，揭开历史中失落的女性叙事，反映东西方文化强盛时代的女性生活概貌与社会角色。

“云谁之思？彼美人兮。”此刻让我们在历史与现实的凝望对视中，走进帝国荣耀之下的古代女性生活，找寻她们被赋予的鲜活的时代个性与使命，感受两汉与罗马女性的风采，领略古老文明的无穷魅力。

Introduction

The Art of Life:Multimedia Exhibition of Mawangdui Han Culture

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui tombs. The discovery of Han Dynasty tombs astonished the world, demonstrating the splendid culture and profound thoughts of early Chinese civilization. The Mawangdui tombs carries the grand imaginations and artistic expressions of ancient China on the universe and life. After half a century of research and organization, this grand exhibition will use the most cutting-edge academic research results and scientific and technological means to deeply interpret the tombs art through immersive digital displays, presenting to the global audience the fascinating stories embedded in this compelling cultural heritage. We look forward to bringing an inspiring and powerful cultural experience to the audience, so that the ideological and artistic charms of the Mawangdui tombs will continue to shine brightly, connecting with the world across time and space.

“The Art of Life:Multimedia Exhibition of Mawangdui Han Culture” is presented by the Hunan Museum and the Digital Library of China, in collaboration with Professor Eugene Wang’s team from the Harvard FAS CAMLab. This exhibition integrates global academic resources and the latest insights on Mawangdui Han culture and early Chinese civilization, bringing the audience into the imaginative journey of life’s transformation embodied by the Mawangdui tombs. Utilizing cutting-edge multimedia technologies such as ultra-high-definition artifact scanning, 3D projection, generative algorithmic art, and immersive LED spheres, it offers an immersive experience of early Chinese cosmology and the imagination of life’s transformation.

Introduction

生命艺术——马王堆汉代文化沉浸式数字大展

2024年，为马王堆汉墓完成考古发掘五十周年。这个汉代墓葬的发现震惊了世界，展示了早期中国文明的绚烂文化与深邃思想，作为一个时光窗口，马王堆汉墓承载着中国古代对宇宙、生命的宏大想象与艺术表达。经半个世纪的研究和整理，本次大展将以最前沿的学术研究成果和科技手段，通过沉浸式数字化展示，深入解读墓葬艺术，向全球观众呈现这一引人瞩目的文化遗产所蕴含的精彩故事。我们期待为观众带来一场富有启发性和震撼力的文化体验，让马王堆汉墓的思想与艺术魅力继续迸发光芒，跨越时空与世界相连接。

“生命艺术——马王堆汉代文化沉浸式数字大展”由湖南博物院与中国数字图书馆联合哈佛大学中国艺术实验室汪悦进教授团队推出。本次展览整合全球性的学术资源，结合全球学术界对于马王堆汉代文化研究的最前沿成果，深入挖掘马王堆汉墓所承载的汉代文化中“天人合一”的生命哲学，全方位展示马王堆汉代文化、艺术、想象与认知世界，充分展现早期中国文明对于宇宙时空与生命仪式的壮阔想象与艺术表达。本展览由“时空”“阴阳”“生命”三个艺术主题构成，充分展现“宇宙运转——生命升华”的动态过程，借助超高清文物扫描、三维投影、裸眼3D、生成算法艺术、异形LED球幕等前沿多媒体数字技术，为观众带来深层次的、对于中国早期宇宙生命观的认知体验和艺术震撼。

Introduction

Exhibition of High-quality Photographic Works of “A Beautiful New Era-the profound ties of Hunan, Hubei and Jiangxi Provinces”

In order to adhere to the guidance of President Xi Jingping’s thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, fully implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, thoroughly study and put Xi Jinping’s thought on culture into effect, and implement the requirements of the "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of City Clusters in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River" approved and agreed to by the State Council, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hunan Province, Hubei Province and Jiangxi Province jointly organized the exhibition of top-notch photographic works of “A Beautiful New Era-the Profound Ties of Hunan, Hubei and Jiangxi Provinces”. The exhibition aims to show the beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage and the spirit of people's life in the new era of three provinces through a number of high-quality photographs, and to promote the exchange, unity and collaborative development of culture and tourism of three provinces.

Photography is an art form to narrate through the lights and shades. Photographers capture brilliant moments by their unique artistic perspectives and insights. The water running throught Xiangjiang, Hangjiang and Ganjiang, winding and endless, eventually embraces at the Yangtze River, showcasing the splendid natural beauty. Hunan, Jiangxi and Hubei all possess profound humanistic culture and magnificent natural scenery. As the most of important provinces located in the central of China, these three provinces shoulder the historical task to promote the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Hunan, Jiangxi and Hubei cling together, undoubtedly, will face this challenge and opportunity more vigorously.

Visiting this exhibition can bring audiences a deeper understanding about the natural scenery, human history and people’s lives of three provinces, audiences can enjoy their distinctive charm and profound cultural heritage. The exhibition displayed 200 pieces(80 from Hunan Province, 60 from Hubei Province and 60 from Jiangxi Province) of photographic works. These photographic works, basically, reflect the local artists’ current situation and skill level of creation. With their own lens, they composed a beautiful melody one after another, singing the praises of this beautiful new era.

This exhibition provides photographers of three provinces a superb display platform, envisioning to spark their creation interests, bring them a favorable creative environment and atmosphere. Following their lenses, audiences can appreciate a beautiful picture scroll full of vigor and charm, and feel the rhythm of this era with our hearts; let us firmly grasp the direction of advancement in the historical trend of the new era, move forward and create a promising future together.

Introduction

“美好新时代·湘鄂赣一家亲”优秀摄影作品展

为坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻党的二十大精神，深入学习贯彻习近平文化思想，落实国务院批复同意的《长江中游城市群发展“十四五”实施方案》要求，湖南省文化和旅游厅、湖北省文化和旅游厅、江西省文化和旅游厅联合主办“美好新时代·湘鄂赣一家亲”优秀摄影作品展。本次展览，旨在通过一批高质量的摄影作品展示湘鄂赣三省的美丽自然风光、丰富人文底蕴以及新时代人民生活的精神风貌，促进湘鄂赣三省文旅事业交流团结、协作发展。

摄影，是一种运用光影进行叙述的艺术形式。摄影家以其独特的艺术视角和观感，捕捉着身边的事物和色彩的精彩瞬间。湘江、汉江、赣江之水，玉带蜿蜒，生生不息，交汇于长江的怀抱，展现着大自然谱写的壮丽诗篇。湘鄂赣三地兼具厚重的人文底蕴及优美的自然风光，作为长江沿岸和中部地区的重要省份，肩负着推动长江经济带高质量发展的历史重任。三省携手共进，无疑可更加有力地面对这一挑战与机遇。

观三省摄影作品展，可深入了解三省的自然风光、人文历史和人民生活，感受其独特魅力和深厚底蕴。本次展览共展出摄影作品200件，其中湖南省80件、湖北省60件、江西省60件。这些作品基本反映了湖南、湖北、江西三省摄影艺术家们的创作现状与技艺水准。他们用自己的镜头，谱写着一首首优美的旋律，歌颂着这个美好的新时代。

此次展览的举办，也为湘鄂赣三省的摄影力量提供了一个优质的展示平台，希望可以激发更多摄影爱好者的创作热情，营造良好的创作环境与氛围。让我们跟随他们的镜头，欣赏一幅幅充满了活力与魅力的优美画卷，用心灵感受这个时代的律动；让我们在新时代的历史洪流中，牢牢把握前进的方向，砥砺前行，共同创造一个更加美好的未来。

Introduction

“Fan Painting and Beyond — Exhibition of Fans”

Since the Song Dynasty, when aesthetically inspired individuals began to paint on silk fans, the fan painting has gradually evolved into a new form of Chinese calligraphy and painting. During the Ming Dynasty, folding fans became popular for their portability. Fans, appreciated for their beauty and their playfulness, became sought-after personal possessions among Shidafu, the scholar-officials of imperial China. From the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, officials and scholars, in social gatherings, often competed in creating, gifting, and collecting fans, using fans to show their talents, tastes, and social status.

This exhibition will use the presentation of the artistic conception within fans and the camaraderie beyond fans as a starting point to reveal the cultural connotation of fan faces. Those displayed fans vividly present a variety of themes, including bird-and-flower, landscape, figure and poem. These themes can all be depicted on fans, utilizing the limited space to unfold unique layouts that showcase a distinct form of artistic beauty. Beyond the artistic conception, fans themselves embrace practical as well as cultural values. Scholars and literati express their sentiments through fans and exchange fans as gifts. The landscapes and poems depicted on the fans both convey the emotions and thoughts of their creators, allowing recipients to feel a sense of friendship while appreciating and handling the fan.

The collection of fans at the Hunan Museum mainly covers the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, featuring a significant collection of works by renowned literati painters from Hunan Province. In addition to presenting traditional themes in fans, this exhibition will also delve into the cultural deposits of fans from the perspective of Hunan local culture. "In the tender embrace of breeze, half a sheet of paper gracefully folds and unfurls guiding us to a wonderful journey at a whim." Let us explore the feelings and scene of fan face art together to rediscover the elegance inherent in these fans.

Introduction

扇里·扇外——湖南博物院藏扇面展

自从极具美学灵性的宋人开始在纨扇上挥洒丹青，扇画便逐渐成为中国书画艺术的新形式。有明一代，便于携带的“聚头”折扇风靡流行，可供赏阅亦可把玩的扇子，成为士大夫所推崇的随身雅物。清至民国，在往来应酬的文化交流中，官员世士们更是争相以画扇、赠扇、藏扇为趣，以此彰显个人的才气品位与身份地位。

本次展览将以呈现扇画意境与扇外情谊作为切入点，揭示扇面的文化内涵。扇画题材广泛，花鸟、山水、人物、诗词皆可入扇，方寸间随形布局，展现出一种独特的艺术形式美。而在扇画意境之外，扇子本身又多了一种文化实用价值，文人墨客借扇抒情，以扇相赠，笔端描绘的景致、书写的诗句都传递着作者的情绪与心意，受赠者在欣赏、把玩扇子的同时便能感受到这份情谊。

湖南博物院扇面藏品以清至民国时期为主，其中湖湘名士作品极为丰富，本次展览除了从传统题材来展示扇面艺术外，还将从湖湘地域文化视角来深挖扇面的文化底蕴。“开合清风纸半张，随即舒卷岂寻常”，让我们共同走进扇画艺术的情与景，重拾扇面雅趣。

Introduction

Mo Litang Art Exhibition

"There was once a man named Litang in Hunan province, who was not only talented but also modest”. As the founder of Hunan Artists Association, Mo Litang not only participated in the preparation of the association, but also served as the executive director of it for a long time, and then worked in Hunan Provincial Mass Art Museum (now Hunan Provincial Culture Centre), carrying out professional counselling for art cadres in the Hunan province. In the art of calligraphy and painting, he studied under the famous painter and art educator Gao Xishun. In Mo’s early years, he liked to depict the new appearance of his hometown with colourful ink. In the 1980s, Mo became a renowned painter of landscape painting in Hunan. In his later years, he specialised in calligraphy, and he created the “Axe Chopping Style”, which has a majestic atmosphere, and is a perfect complement to his painting. Strict and modest, Mo took “Sharpening your axe will not delay your job of chopping wood”as his motto, and after retirement, he still kept going back to the tradition, refining his heart and brushwork, and living in semi-seclusion in his own study, “Paddy Garden”, painting and practising calligraphy for his own amusement, thus forging the literati character in the eyes of others.

As a representative of elder generation of Hunan artists, Mo had a deep affection for his hometown and has created many paintings concerning Hunan. He was one of the earliest artists who depicted the landscapes of Zhangjiajie and was famous for his description of strange and perilous mountains and rivers of Zhangjiajie. Its landscapes are the testing ground for his freehand brushwork paintings. Since the 1980s, he had been exploring the unique style of freehand landscapes with heavy ink and sharp brushwork by copying the stone springs and gullies of Zhangjiajie. A major feature of Mo’s painting is that it is grounded in solid sketching, and not only his landscapes, but also his highly refined flower and bird paintings, his vivid cavities and eagles, shelled chicks, etc. are the embodiment of his exclusive brushwork and in-depth observation. In the field of painting and calligraphy, Mr. Mo has spent his life’s work to pursue the saying of “bizarre ink makes brilliant painting”, and we believe that he has not only achieved it, but also finally formed his one-of-a-kind artistic style.

Mo’s family donated more than 100 pieces of Mo’s paintings and calligraphy as well as his manuscripts to the Hunan Museum in 2022. These works have been incorporated into the collection system of Hunan Museum, which not only enriches the “Hunan Painting and Calligraphy Celebrity Collection”, but also extends the material of Hunan regional art history. It takes the donated works as the main body, shows his art talent from landscape painting, flower and bird painting, and calligraphy, and outlines the general lineage of his artistic development, which is the presentation of the result of the preliminary research of Mr. Mo’s art works. This exhibition pays tribute to Mr. Mo’s contribution, and we hereby express our thanks to his family for their generous donation!