When Classics Inspire: CGTN dialogue explores traditional aesthetics in contemporary art

At ART SG 2026 in Singapore, CGTN hosted a special dialogue, titled "When Classics Inspire," on Saturday, a day after the launch of China Crafted, the latest season of the CGTN Art Series, alongside a curated display of the previous three seasons of the series.

Speakers at the dialogue were Magnus Renfrew, co-founder of ART SG, Tan-Soh Wai Lan, president of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Seng Yu Jin, director of curatorial, research and exhibitions of the National Gallery Singapore and Dr. Kevin Lam, senior curator for Chinese Art at the Asian Civilisations Museum.

The dialogue explored how traditional aesthetics are being reinterpreted through contemporary art, digital exhibitions and new forms of storytelling. The panelists spoke about how historical aesthetics continue to inspire contemporary art, education and global cultural conversations.

China Crafted has received widespread acclaim from experts.

Using CGTN Art Series as reference, Seng Yu Jin highlighted how digital projects can bring together important artworks and artifacts from museums around the world, overcoming the physical limitations of traditional exhibitions. "Curators are primarily storytellers and digital exhibitions offer a platform for us to bring together a curator's dream.”

Dr. Kevin Lam, also a seasoned museum curator focused on Chinese art, went on to add, "I think one of the strengths of digital platform is that we are able to focus on details that you are not going to see, even in the objects in front of you."

Speaking of Chinese art, Magnus Renfrew said that even though ART SG is more in the physical experience business, they have observed a range of galleries embracing traditional Chinese culture. He cited examples of artists working in Paris between 1940 and 1960 who were revolutionary for blending Eastern cultural elements with Western-influenced abstractions, producing something entirely unique. From a technical perspective, some artists presented in ART SG took inspiration from traditional Chinese ink painting, such as those from the Song Dynasty, and incorporated the technique into contemporary creations. He considers this as very impressive.

Dr. Lam's views echo this observation on the influence of techniques. He noted that some Chinese artists who had immigrated to Singapore brought in Chinese aesthetics and painting techniques, particularly in composition and brushwork, and used them with Western painting traditions and Southeast Asian subject matter. This process of cultural fusion is constantly evolving. Dr. Lam emphasized that culture is always changing, and it is important to understand the histories of how these cultures have influenced and mixed with each other.

As an educator working in a hub for nurturing artists, Tan-Soh Wai Lan expressed her delight in seeing content like China Crafted. She noted that there are people who may not be able to be physically present, yet can now enjoy the digital exhibition. She emphasized the value of digital experience while also acknowledging the importance of physical objects. Beyond that, she highlighted other art forms, such as visual arts, storytelling and the immersive, in-person experience as offering a deeply engaging encounter that is vital to art appreciation.

Watch the complete program to hear the panel discussion and gain valuable perspectives from leading art experts.