2nd Sculpture Projects Pingyao: Tradition meets modernity, East meets West

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The second Pingyao International Sculpture Festival, or Sculpture Projects Pingyao, kicked off Friday in the ancient city in north China's Shanxi Province. Artists from home and abroad are bringing their best works to the event. CGTN reporter Hu Chao takes a look.

"In Between" is the theme of this year's Pingyao International Sculpture Festival. The theme aims to remind people of the differences and common ground between the past and the present, tradition and modernity, east and west.

PENG FENG, CHIEF CURATOR 2nd SCULPTURE PROJECTS PINGYAO "When you first arrived in Pingyao, you can see the traditional atmosphere is very strong. But the exhibition factory is very modern. The sculptures are also very modern. I hope the audience can experience the In Between, between the traditional and modern."

The event has brought many artists from across the world with their works. Chinese artist Wu Daxin's creation of a pagoda is getting a lot of attention.

CHINESE ARTIST WU DAXIN 2nd SCULPTURE PROJECTS PINGYAO "I used western equipment to create an eastern pagoda. The spinning gears represent the oriental concept of time, which moves in circles. The spinning gears also symbolize the relationships among people in the whole society."

Chinese artist Guo Gong has brought his stainless sculpture of Qie-Wen.

CHINESE ARTIST GUO GONG 2nd SCULPTURE PROJECTS PINGYAO "I take materials as a subject instead of an object. I try to read into it and have a conversation with it. My work is not about what I want to express, but what the material itself wants to say. I'm just an interpreter of the material."

A colorful, projector-like piece has attracted many onlookers. It's by Hong Kong artist Ruan Jiayi.

HONG KONG ARTIST RUAN JIAYI 2nd SCULPTURE PROJECTS PINGYAO "A bit usual. It's not like an art fair in Hongkong. Because everyone is so busy setting up everything is in a rush. Hongkong is like a hustle and bustle, there's not such a time. The pace is Pingyao is more slow. It's like a meditation to me. It's slow where you appreciate lots of things. It's tiny but you are appreciating everything."

HU CHAO PINGYAO COUNTY, SHANXI PROVINCE "This sculpture festival takes place against the backdrop of the ancient city of Pingyao. Aside from appreciating various works of art, visitors can also get a glimpse into the city's classic charms. The event will run until the end of July. Hu Chao, CGTN, Pingyao County, Shanxi Province."