For the 700 years since the traveler’s death, the Italian institution is staging the collective exhibition «The perfect path» in Hangzhou, the first moment of a triptych that will soon involve Venice and Istanbul: «Formidable works that are made of the future are on display»
Marco Polo he loved looking out over those rolling hills, over the lake in particular. Hangzhou it was among his favorite cities, the most noble, perhaps because it reminded him of Venice. That view is still there, it has not changed, your eyes can admire the same landscape that the most daring traveler of all time had before him. Behind it, however, now stands the China Academy of Art Museum in Hangzhou, where the Venice Biennale, in collaboration with the China Academy of Art, opened on Saturday 9 November The perfect path. Hangzhou, Marco Polo’s “city in the sky”.: eighteen contemporary Chinese artists who try, attempt, to indicate viable paths for art, for human society. And on Sunday 10th President Sergio Mattarella arrives.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, less than two hundred kilometers southwest of Shanghai. Don’t expect historical reconstructions, revisitations on the theme of Marco Polo’s journey, or old maps. Here we are at the cutting edge of contemporary Chinese art, technologies and new media. Explain the meaning of the operation Luigia Lonardelli, who passionately curated the exhibition (until January 10th), selecting the artists who found a place for growth in the China Academy of Art: «When I started imagining the exhibition, I thought about how scared that seventeen-year-old must have been Venetian who was leaving towards nowhere. So, following the spirit of the Biennale, I started looking for what remained of that desire for the unknown, of that desire to take unknown paths. After all, art does precisely this, and Confucian philosophy theorizes it with the concept of dao, the path that each of us is called to find and follow (hence the title of the exhibition, ed), which is exactly what Marco Polo did and what these extraordinary Chinese artists do in 2024: their works are made of the future, their material is the future.”
Video, 3D, digital simulations, but also ink on paper, LED screens, iron pipes, fabrics, the dust and hair of Shi Bing and Lin Yi (1989) in an exhibition itinerary almost entirely in the dark: «Only the works are illuminated, they arrive suddenly, like apparitions they guide us, but leaving us free to seek our own personal itinerary within the collective». Versatile talents, different approaches, difficult to classify. «These are not – reiterates the curator – emerging artists, they are already formed and well-known personalities. They work well with new technologies but have not abandoned traditions. There are no contradictions in this sense.” Like Chen Liang (1987), who studied calligraphy and sacred painting and concentrated his work on the origins of writing. Or Liu Yi (1990), who combines animation and multimedia in his installations.
But let’s go back to Hangzhou (and to the cultural diplomacy that is giving excellent results in relations between Italy and China): there are twenty-one works on display, these are accompanied by the creations of the students of the Academy’s School of Animation and Games and the School of Film Art. The stage designed by Istanbul artist Cevdet Erek titled is also added Amphibianmodular and adaptable space, designed to host performances, readings and insights and which will follow all the events of It is the wind that makes the sky«like a refuge that can from time to time offer a place to rest and share».
Saturday 9 November therefore saw the inauguration of the collective exhibition (which officially opens today) with a major event press conference: there were Yu Xuhong, director of the Art Museum of China Academy of Art, Jin Yibin, secretary of the Communist Party in the China Academy of Art, Tiziana D’Angelo, Italian consul in Shanghai, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, president of the Biennale, Francesco D’Arelli, director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Shanghai, Debora Rossi, head of the Historical Archive of the Biennale, Xu Jiang, president of the Academic Committee of the China Academy of Art, as well as the curator Luigia Lonardelli who underlined: «Today, after more than seven centuries, the language of art still carries that instinct, crazy and sublime, to follow the vertigo of the desire for knowledge turning his gaze towards the east.”
Finding paths we thought impossible, this is Marco Polo’s legacy. Lonardelli concludes: «If someone managed to get here without any map then everything can be done with the thirst for knowledge, and art gives us this possibility: artists are compasses for the imagination». He adds the president of the Venice Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco: «For the first time the Biennale moves from Venice following the path of its most illustrious citizen, Marco Polo. Today, as then, China becomes a world, by virtue of its youthful strength and its thousand-year-old tradition and the Biennale, the cornerstone of history, digs right into Hangzhou, “the city of the sky” already described in Million, the spirit of the time. Our”.
Sunday 10th arrives in Hangzhou Sergio Mattarella, in the afternoon he will see the group show. Lonardelli observes: «For the artists on display, the visit of the Head of State is highly anticipated and confirms the importance of the project. We are truly grateful to the President of the Republic.”
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Luigia Lonardelli, Curator of “The Perfect Path” Exhibition
Time.news Editor (TNE): Greetings, Luigia! Thank you for joining us to discuss the groundbreaking exhibition “The Perfect Path” that commemorates Marco Polo in Hangzhou. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this exhibition?
Luigia Lonardelli (LL): Thank you for having me! The exhibition was inspired by my fascination with Marco Polo, particularly the brave 17-year-old Venetian embarking on his journey into the unknown. I wanted to channel that spirit of exploration and adventure, reflecting how art can guide us in navigating our own paths in life.
TNE: That’s beautiful. It seems you’ve aimed to connect his historical journey with contemporary Chinese art. How do the works featured in this exhibition embody that connection?
LL: Absolutely! The exhibition showcases eighteen outstanding contemporary Chinese artists who are exploring themes of innovation and the future. Each artist’s work resonates with the idea of “dao”—the path we all seek to discover and follow. For example, while some artists utilize cutting-edge technology, they haven’t abandoned their cultural heritage, which creates a rich dialogue between tradition and modernity.
TNE: You mention the exhibition’s focus on new technologies alongside traditional methods. Could you elaborate on some specific art forms that attendees can expect to see?
LL: Certainly! Visitors will experience a diverse range of media, from immersive digital simulations and video installations to traditional calligraphy and ink on paper. Some pieces, like those by Shi Bing and Lin Yi, incorporate unexpected materials like dust and hair, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere, as the exhibition is designed to be viewed in low lighting. The artists lead us on a personal journey through their works, inviting reflection.
TNE: That sounds intriguing! During the opening event, several notable figures were present. What message do you think this cultural exchange between Italy and China conveys to a global audience?
LL: The presence of key figures from both countries underscores the importance of cultural diplomacy, especially in today’s interconnected world. This exhibition not only celebrates Marco Polo’s legacy but also showcases how art can bridge cultures and foster dialogue. It embodies the idea that while our paths may differ, the pursuit of understanding and connection is ultimately universal.
TNE: How do you envision the role of exhibitions like “The Perfect Path” in shaping the future of global art discourse?
LL: Exhibitions like this serve as vital platforms for dialogue among artists, curators, and audiences across the globe. They promote collaboration and innovation, encouraging artists to challenge boundaries and think beyond conventional narratives. The future of art lies in these intersections—where different cultural perspectives can merge to inspire new ideas and creativity.
TNE: It sounds like “The Perfect Path” opens up a myriad of discussions both about the past and the contemporary art scene. What do you hope visitors take away from their experience?
LL: I hope visitors leave with a renewed sense of curiosity and a desire to explore the paths they haven’t yet taken. Just like Marco Polo, who ventured into the unknown, I encourage everyone to embrace uncertainty—whether it’s through art, culture, or personal experiences. After all, art mirrors life, inviting us to explore and discover.
TNE: Thank you, Luigia! It’s been wonderful to hear your insights on this compelling exhibition. We wish you the best during this journey with “The Perfect Path.”
LL: Thank you for having me! I hope to see many people experience the exhibition and encounter the extraordinary works of these talented artists.