Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, as well as the Year of Sino-French Cultural Tourism, a major exhibition featuring the works of renowned Swiss-Italian sculptor Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966) opened in Guangzhou on September 27, 2024. This exhibition marks the first Giacometti-focused show in the Greater Bay Area and the return of a large-scale collection of his works to China after an eight-year hiatus.
(Photo: Fondation Giacometti)
Held at the ChunYangTai Arts and Cultural Centre (hereinafter referred to as "ChunYangTai"), the exhibition will showcase 79 original pieces by Giacometti, including iconic sculptures such as "Tall Woman I" (1960) and "Bust of Diego" (1954), which are considered national treasures of France. Jointly organized by ChunYangTai and the Giacometti Foundation, with the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism serving as the guiding authority, and with the support of the French Embassy in China and the French Consulate General in Guangzhou, the exhibition is part of the "Festival Croisements" series celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties.
Alberto Giacometti hailed as one of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 20th century and an embodiment of modernist spirit, is renowned for his portrayals of post-war human psychology and 20th-century humanism, exemplified by his masterpiece "Walking Man." As a leading voice of modern art, Giacometti significantly influenced the development of post-war modern art, inspiring countless artists from both East and West, earning him the title of "artist's artist." His works are among the most valuable in the global art market, with several sculptures, including "Walking Man" and "L'homme au doigt" (Pointing Man), fetching over $100 million at auctions.
(Photo: Fondation Giacometti)
Curated by Chinese architect Zhang Yonghe and éMILIE BOUVARD, Director of Collections and Academic Projects at the Giacometti Foundation, the exhibition invites Chinese artists Zeng Li, He Jianxiang, and Jiang Ying to engage in a fresh interpretation of Giacometti's art, exploring his relationship with architecture and space. This groundbreaking collaboration sees Giacometti's pursuit of monumentality intersect with Langtou, a 700-year-old traditional Chinese village, and ChunYangTai, its iconic new architectural landmark. The 79 Giacometti pieces will be exhibited alongside photographic and installation works by Chinese artists, spanning ChunYangTai's indoor galleries, its rooftop garden, and the ancient village itself.
Located at the entrance of Langtou, a well-preserved national historic village in the Pearl River Delta, ChunYangTai, completed in 2023, serves as a pivotal cultural hub for the revitalization of the village. Designed by Zhang Yonghe and his Atelier FCJZ, the 8,602-square-meter complex harmoniously blends modern design with the ancient village's surroundings, becoming a landmark and a vital public space for cultural activities. Since its opening in April 2023, ChunYangTai has hosted exhibitions, lectures, and seminars, attracting scholars and artists from around the world, and was named one of the Top 100 Buildings of 2023 by ArchDaily.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of cultural events, including guided tours, lectures, and panel discussions, featuring world-renowned artists and scholars. Running for four months, from September 27, 2024, to February 7, 2025, the exhibition seeks to be a major artistic event in the Greater Bay Area and beyond, offering visitors a rich dialogue between Chinese and French cultures and a profound experience of Giacometti's artistry.
Exhibition Details:
Dates: September 27, 2024, to February 7, 2025
Venue:
Indoor Galleries: ChunYangTai Arts and Cultural Centre, Galleries 1-4, No. 18 Qingyun Road, Langtou Village, Tanbu Town, Huadu District, Guangzhou
Outdoor Areas: ChunYangTai Rooftop Garden, Surrounding Lotus Ponds, and Langtou Ancient Village
About ChunYangTai Arts and Cultural Centre:
ChunYangTai is a new landmark arts and cultural center built as part of the Langtou Rural Revitalization Project. Designed by Zhang Yonghe and his Atelier FCJZ, the complex integrates various cultural spaces, including museums, libraries, reading rooms, theaters, and art studios, providing a platform for diverse cultural activities that respect and celebrate local heritage.
Author | Alice
Editor | Monica, James
