“Encountering the Tang Dynasty: A Golden Age on the Walls” Exhibition Opens in Macao at USJ
"Encountering the Tang Dynasty: A Golden Age on the Walls" Exhibition Opens in Macao at USJ
30
Apr
30/04/2024
USJ is hosting a special exhibition showcasing the magnificent Tang Dynasty murals titled “Encountering the Tang Dynasty: A Golden Age on the Walls”, organised in collaboration with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, and National Conditions Education (Macau) Association. The exhibition is open to the public from April 30th to May 11th, 2024.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao hosted the opening ceremony of a special exhibition showcasing the magnificent Tang Dynasty murals titled “Encountering the Tang Dynasty: A Golden Age on the Walls” on the 30th of April, 2024, at the Auditório Centenário de Fátima. The exhibition is jointly organised by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics, University of Saint Joseph, and National Education Association (Macau), with the support of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and in partnership with the Xi’an Belin Museum, and Macao Heritage Ambassadors Association.
The opening ceremony was attended by Zhang Jiming, Secretary-General of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Wang Jinqing, Second-level Inspector of the Shaanxi Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics, Reverend Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of USJ, and Wang Haitao, President of the National Education Association (Macao).
In his opening speech, Zhang Jiming stated that Tang Dynasty murals are an important part of China’s excellent traditional culture, and Macao is a city where Chinese and Western cultures blend. This exhibition vividly showcases the splendor and unique charm of the Tang Dynasty, as well as the profound cultural heritage of Chinese civilization, embracing inclusivity. Through viewing the exhibition, he hopes that it will inspire Macao’s youth to become conscious guardians, heirs, promoters and practitioners of Chinese culture, and advocates of cultural exchanges between East and West. Mentioning about this year’s 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, he says that the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation is willing to continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation with all sectors of Macao in the fields of culture, youth, and public welfare, assisting in the construction of Macao as a “platform for exchange and cooperation with Chinese culture as the mainstream and the coexistence of diverse cultures,” and making positive contributions to the growth and development of Macao’s youth and their better integration into the overall development of the country.”
Wang Jinqing expressed that Shaanxi, the land of cultural relics in China, has nurtured and accumulated splendid Chinese culture throughout the long history, including the rites of the Zhou Dynasty, the systems of the Qin Dynasty, and the elegance and rhyme of the Tang Dynasty. He stated that Shaanxi has been committed to cultural exchanges between Shaanxi and Macau, hoping to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the two places through the exchange of historical relics and cultural heritage, and promote common development. He extended a warm welcome to all young students in Macao to approach Shaanxi’s cultural heritage and experience the profoundness of Chinese historical culture and the brilliance of civilization.
Rector Morgan stated that Tang Dynasty murals are not just artifacts, but vivid canvases that tell stories and through these ancient visual works, the Tang Dynasty communicates with us. He also mentioned that USJ, being an important platform for cultural exchange between China and the West, looks forward to young students exploring the rich Chinese culture together.
Wang Haitao expressed his honor to collaborate with the organizing parties to hold the Tang Dynasty Mural Exhibition in Macao on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland. He hopes that through the exhibition, the art value and cultural connotation of Tang Dynasty murals can be deeply discussed, enabling more young people to understand and appreciate this art form, and further promoting the inheritance and development of China’s excellent traditional culture.
After the opening ceremony, the guests visited the exhibition which vividly presents the living spaces of Chang’an City during the Tang Dynasty era (618-907 CE), and the youthful appearance of young people. Supporting activities such as mural copying workshop and VR experiences was also held during the exhibition tour.
More than 100 people attended the opening ceremony, including Qiu Yu, Minister of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Gao Yuan, Director of the Press and Public Diplomacy Department of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, Liu Yiliang, National People’s Congress representative of Macao and Vice Chairman of the China Overseas Exchange Association, He Dingyi, Permanent President of the Macao Women’s General Association, Chen Songxin, Director of the Comprehensive Affairs Department of the Macao Foundation, He Hongbin, Acting Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macau, Tan Siu Wa, Director of the Higher Education Department of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macau, as well as representatives from the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Macao Council, cooperative organizations.
