It is a long time that China and France have experienced many artistic adventures together. There were ships financed by Louis XIV who assigned artists to Guangzhou and Beijing. Those artists depicted western life for the Emperor Kang Xi. And then, there were collectors in the age of Voltaire in Paris, who adored showing white or green porcelains from Old China in their palace. Finally, at the great moment when simplification of form was highlighted in the 20th Century, Chinese landscape paintings and the expression of great French abstract painters shared a common ground. Without China, Olivier Debré had painted otherwise, and without the relentless pursuit of sculptures in cathedrals, there wouldn’t be any monumental masterpiece created by Zao Wouki. Malraux had had a correct understanding. He found that China and France had a lot to say on their emphasis on modernity.

This time IESA Professor, General Director of Cultural Heritage, Expert on French Culture Denis Lavalle will be invited to UCCA to share his research on France and China art histories and discuss the sources between the two countries’ art. Denis Lavalle biography: Former resident at the Academy of France in Rome, Denis Lavalle has taken the responsibility for the cultural Heritage and the architecture of national palace. He’s also responsible for sponsorships. Specialist in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries’, he led in 2000 the great exhibition about “20 centuries of French Cathedrals”. His latest book, "The last days of Clemenceau in his summer house, overlooking the sea" was reissued in 2010.

NOTE:

UCCA Members enjoy priority booking for this program.

Guest:

Denis Lavallle (General Director of Cultural Heritage, France, IESA Professor, Expert on French Culture)

Partner:

IESA