“Art Deco. The France-China Connection” exhibition explores the inter-cultural artistic influences between France and China [fr] [中文]

Art Deco, an art movement popular between the two World Wars, is widely considered to be the first art style to break geographical boundaries and gain worldwide popularity. While it is not uncommon to see Art Deco designs and artworks in France and the US, one might be surprised to know the influence of Art Deco is also significant in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Supported by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, CityU Exhibition Gallery presents “Art Deco. The France-China Connection” from 6 March to 30 June 2019, showcasing more than 300 exhibits from museums, institutions and private collectors across France, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong. The exhibits include furniture, sculptures, paintings, posters, costumes, ceramic glassware, vases, jewelry and cosmetic cases; displaying the versatility, originality and adaptability of Art Deco designs.

The exhibition examines not only the origins of Art Deco in France, but also the influence of Chinese arts and craftsmanship on the development of this important art movement. By reconstructing the cultural context of the art movement through the exhibits, the curators trace the relationship between Art Deco and Chinese art, an original approach that sheds new light on the art itself. The spirit of the era is perhaps best summarised by the popular slogan, “One must be modern and make it known to the world” .