The "Intangible Cultural Heritage Lives on: Guizhou Xiangzhigou Paper Pulp Sculpture Painting Exhibition", co-organized by the Guizhou Ethnic Museum and the Shanghai Mylnikov Art Museum, officially opened at the Shanghai Mylnikov Art Museum in Shanghai on June 28. 

The paper pulp sculpture painting exhibition opens in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang]

At the opening ceremony, Sha Aide, director of the Shanghai Mylnikov Art Museum, delivered a welcome speech, and Ma Liya, deputy director of the Guizhou Ethnic Museum, introduced the collaborative exhibition to the attending dignitaries, guests, and art enthusiasts. Guided by the docents from the Guizhou Ethnic Museum, visitors embarked on an immersive journey through art.

The visitors embark on their journey through the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang]

As one of the four great inventions of ancient China, papermaking has a long history. Traditional bamboo paper and bark paper represent two significant types of handmade paper, and their ancient production techniques still thrive in various regions of Guizhou, with the Xiangzhigou papermaking technique being a prominent example.

This exhibition presents a selection of 50 paper pulp sculpture paintings crafted by Guizhou's master craftsman, Fang Cong. Thematically rooted in the province's diverse ethnic cultures, these art pieces embody the innovative development and preservation of this cultural treasure.

Through artistic re-creation, the traditional paper pulp takes on new life, revealing a captivating three-dimensional quality reminiscent of bas-relief sculptures. This unique approach creates a powerful visual impact, allowing the 600-year-old Xiangzhigou papermaking tradition to blossom anew as a vibrant art form.