REVELATIONS CHINA, an international art and design expo held in Beijing, showcased the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation, featuring diverse global artists and cultural exchanges from 16 countries.
Key Highlights:
- Global Collaboration: REVELATIONS CHINA brought together artists and designers from 16 countries.
- Cultural Exchange: As part of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, the event emphasized international cooperation and cultural diversity.
- Showcase of Innovation: The expo highlighted the innovation in crafts, featuring artists whose works demonstrated a blend of tradition and modernity.
- National Pavilion Highlights: Five countries—France, Spain, Ecuador, Georgia, and Egypt—stood out for their unique cultural aesthetics and craftsmanship.
- Lasting Impact: The event aims to inspire future collaborations and foster a deeper appreciation for global craftsmanship and design.
A Global Convergence of Craftsmanship and Innovation
September 19 to 23—The National Agricultural Exhibition Center in Beijing became a vibrant hub of global creativity with the successful debut of REVELATIONS CHINA. A satellite of the prestigious French International Biennial of Crafts and Creation, REVELATIONS CHINA brought together a dazzling array of contemporary art and craft from across the world. Ateliers d’Art de France, Beijing International Design Week, and Global ACE co-organized the event to transpire a resounding celebration of cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
With the theme “Transcending Craftsmanship, Showcasing the Contemporary, and Inspiring the Future,” the expo highlighted the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic practices. Artists, designers, and industry experts from 16 countries—including China, France, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates—participated in this multicultural event. By blending the old and new, the expo served as a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue and innovation. It marked a significant step forward for contemporary craftsmanship in China.
A Global Meeting of Minds and Cultures
As one of the eight key cultural exchange initiatives under the banner of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, REVELATIONS CHINA received broad international attention. Held in conjunction with the “Croisements Festival – Special Presentation for the 60th Anniversary of China-France Diplomatic Relations,” the expo celebrated artistic creativity and symbolized the strong cultural ties between nations.
The event’s visuals, artworks, and thematic presentations emphasized internationalization, diversity, and multi-regional collaboration. This was epitomized by three acclaimed artists: French textile sculptor Simone Pheulpin, Chinese contemporary artist Wu Jian’an, and Beninese ceramicist King Houndekpinkou. Their works transcended borders and generations, demonstrating the transformative power of craftsmanship.
Simone Pheulpin’s intricate textile sculptures, made from layered cotton, captured the rhythms of nature and the human heart, evoking a sense of timelessness. Wu Jian’an’s unique fusion of ancient Chinese shadow puppetry and paper-cutting techniques was a visual exploration of time and memory. Meanwhile, King Houndekpinkou’s ceramic works combined traditional techniques with bold innovation, symbolizing the spiritual connection between earth, fire, and creativity.
A Global Banquet of Craftsmanship
The National Pavilion, one of the highlights of the event, featured five distinct national showcases—France, Spain, Ecuador, Georgia, and Egypt—each presenting the unique cultural aesthetics of their country.
Banquet France, curated by the 156-year-old Ateliers d’Art de France, presented the work of 23 exceptional artists. Each piece exemplified the deep understanding of materials and bold creativity that defines French craftsmanship. This exhibition was an immersive experience in the world of French craft, offering visitors a chance to engage with the mastery and ingenuity of French artisans.
Banquet Spain, supported by the Catalan Confederation of Commerce, Crafts and Fashion (CCAM), featured works from the “Visions of Catalonia” series, which connects traditional craft with contemporary art. It provided a window into the evolving artistic landscape of Catalonia, showcasing the region’s innovative spirit and commitment to promoting local artisans on the global stage.
Banquet Ecuador, curated by the Inter-American Center for Craft and Popular Art (CIDAP), explored Ecuador’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. The exhibition beautifully blended traditional techniques with modern artistic expressions, using materials and inspiration drawn from the country’s natural landscapes—its jungles, mountains, and oceans.
Banquet Georgia highlighted the country’s rich heritage in both traditional and modern crafts. Organized by Georgia’s Ministry of Culture and Sports, the pavilion featured a striking blend of ancient craftsmanship and contemporary design, offering a unique insight into Georgia’s evolving artistic identity.
Banquet Egypt featured five masterpieces curated by Passent Nossair, Chair of the World Crafts Council for the Africa Region. The works displayed Egypt’s deep cultural heritage, combining ancient craftsmanship techniques with modern innovations, creating a dialogue between past and future.
A Celebration of Artistic Heritage and Innovation
REVELATIONS CHINA was not just a celebration of art and design—it was a meeting point for cultural exchange and global collaboration. The Expo’s successful blending of tradition and modernity, combined with its commitment to multiculturalism, ensured that the event left a lasting legacy on both the domestic and international art scenes.
As this visual feast concluded, it became clear that the connections forged during REVELATIONS CHINA will inspire future collaborations, creating a deeper appreciation for the role of craftsmanship in our globalized world. By transcending boundaries and celebrating diversity, the expo has set a new benchmark for the future of contemporary art and design in China and beyond.
