This June, Reform Mission — Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition (1900–1978) officially established its permanent home at the Guangdong Museum of Art (Ersha Island). Bringing together over 400 major works and precious archival documents, the permanent exhibition lays a robust foundation for the preservation and evolution of the Lingnan artistic lineage.
The exhibition's journey began in 2017 with its inaugural launch at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. It subsequently traveled to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
During its 141-day Shanghai run starting last October, the exhibition drew a staggering total of over 550,000 visitors. Featuring a monumental collection of over 800 artworks and sets, the exhibition stands as the largest touring showcase in the history of Guangdong art.
"The triumph of the Shanghai exhibition is immensely encouraging," reflected Wang Shaoqiang, the exhibition's chief curator and director of the Guangdong Museum of Art. "The overwhelming response far exceeded our expectations and reaffirmed our conviction that the spirit of 'reform mission' retains its vitality today."
As it traveled from city to city, the exhibition captivated audiences nationwide with the distinct charm of Lingnan culture. Its next goal is to transition from a national hit to a global sensation.
Building on the "Lingnan Cultural Masters Lecture Series," the curatorial team has rolled out premium online courses. The team is also developing a series of expert-led video commentaries designed to give the public an insider's perspective on Guangdong art.
"Regarding the media strategy, we plan to use official overseas communication platforms such as IP Guangdong for systematic content distribution," Wang noted. "With their authority and extensive reach, we can broadcast the essence of the exhibition to a global audience in multiple languages."
Additionally, the team plans to collaborate with influential, culturally distinct digital creators abroad to better tell the story of Guangdong art. They are also working to expand partnerships with mainstream international art media and deploying digital technologies like VR and AR to build immersive online galleries. Together, these efforts will allow global art lovers to experience the magic of Guangdong art from anywhere in the world.
As a featured creator for IP Guangdong, Wang has consistently set an example by actively championing Lingnan culture across international platforms.
Looking ahead, Wang stated that the exhibition's permanent installation on Ersha Island marks a new chapter. By leveraging digital innovation to broadcast a century of artistic heritage, the institution aims to carry the spirit of "reform mission" across oceans, allowing it to shine brightly on the global stage.
Reporter｜Lin Lu, Wang Kai
Video | Qin Shaolong
Cover | Cheng Hong
Photo | Wang Shaoqiang, Guangdong Museum of Art
