Putting ordinary people back into '40 Years of Recorded History'
Visitors appreciate a group of drawings depicts people's changing daily life in Shanghai during the past 40 years.
To commemorate the anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up, an exhibition entitled “My Stories, My Paintings — 40 Years of Recorded History” opened to the public last weekend at Shanghai Library, revealing a fascinating insight into changes in China’s history over the last four decades.
The exhibition selected nearly 300 paintings and includes 31 unique life stories from Chinese people in this period of change.
From the perspective of individual and society, four themed areas have been created: “Collective Wisdom,” “Lofty Aspiration,” “Far-seeing intelligence” and “Modesty and Harmony,” and they demonstrate the down-to-earth spirit of Shanghai and open up the simple and touching experience of people’s every day lives.
At the opening ceremony, the painting “Check in Cultural Tourist Attractions in Shanghai” won the first artwork prize and came third in the story telling category.
"There might be a thousand reasons why he loves Shanghai, but what he likes most is the “spectacular culture deeply embedded in this city," said Wen Jie, the author of the story who moved to Shanghai in 2003.
With bright and clear watercolors, artist Ping Long has pictured Wen’s favorite destinations, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Grand Theater and Shanghai Museum on canvas.
A certain amount of nostalgia is embodied throughout the whole exhibition, which documents childhood memories, unique gadgets, the migration of generations and the hope, dreams and endeavor of people who have witnessed 40 years of historical change.
The show combines multimedia devices and provides an “audible, visual and sensible” feast to visitors. With a guided tour, history lovers can enjoy authentic works by renowned artists and feel the warmth of people’s genuine stories.
Both on-line and off-line activities are open to the public. Artistic enthusiasts can create their own paintings and displays works at the library and download the designated app to have a better understanding of Shanghai.
The exhibition runs through November 29.
A visitor checks a series of art works that focuses on the construction workers that build our city.
