An exhibition currently underway at the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing is showcasing the art and design of veteran Chinese artist Chang Shana over the past eight decades.
A visitor appreciates artworks by Chang Shana on display at the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing on April 29, 2024. /China Media Group
Now aged 94, Chang Shana has committed her life to preserving the legacy of Dunhuang art. Titled "Everlasting Beauty of Dunhuang," the exhibition showcases 396 of her works from 1945 to the present day, including replicas of the famous Dunhuang murals, flower creations, and architectural manuscripts. Many rare manuscripts are being publicly displayed for the first time.
Chang Shana's work of Dunhuang art is on display at the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing on April 29, 2024. /China Media Group
The exhibition also reflects the practical efforts made by Chang Shana and her father in promoting Dunhuang culture. Her father, Chang Shuhong, was an art scholar who dedicated his life to protecting the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province. Chang Shana followed in her father's footsteps to carry on his work in more recent decades.
A visitor appreciates an artwork by Chang Shana on display at the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing on April 29, 2024. /China Media Group
Chang Shana believes that artists must keep pace with the times. She hopes that through this exhibition, she can convey her personal experiences to more young people, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture and apply what they learn in their daily lives.
Chang Shana's works of Dunhuang art are on display at the China National Arts and Crafts Museum in Beijing on April 29, 2024. /China Media Group