“Since ancient times, the deeds were written in bamboo tubes.The use of the person, that is paper.Expensive and simple, not convenient.This is the reason why Cai Lun made paper by using tree skin, hemp head and open cloth, fishnet.”Paper making is not only a highlight of science and technology in China and even the world, but also plays a pivotal role in the development and inheritance of culture and art.From props and media of carrying Chinese thoughts and culture, folk crafts with religious or decorative significance, to Chinese contemporary paper art has acquired rich connotations and presented unique aesthetic values.in the long history.In China, with influence from the country’s profound cultural heritage, paper art has been innovated and renewed, embodying the spirit of the nation while keeping up with the times.Internationally, paper art has been endowed with a pioneering spirit and profound implications due to diversification of artistic expression and ongoing cultural exchanges across borders “Character with paper”.
The theme of the Biennale is “Character with paper” and it has two hidden meanings:
Character in Paper:As paper art is turning from a traditional craft to a contemporary art form, its techniques and forms of expression change as well.Sculpting the form of paper is no longer the only expression and aesthetic standard. Artists begin to explore language from the paper itself
Paper, with its raw materials, properties, and textures, is no longer a physical medium through which something else is expressed, but has become the expression itself. It has gained an independent status, speaking for itself instead for others.
The Biennale, by discussing the contemporary reconstruction of paper, is intended to reveal the ideas behind artworks and touch a separate "Character with paper" that can speak to the viewer.
Sage character:Behind a piece of work often shows the spiritual character of the creator.Fengxian district in Shanghai, where the biennial is located, has the meaning of "venerating the sage". Its "xian culture" is permeated with local paper art creation, carving, cutting and compromising bright national treasures, burning the light of the sage.Internationally, although there is no concept completely compatible with "virtuous culture", the pursuit of truth, kindness and beauty by people of all countries is in line with the core character of virtuous culture.
The Biennale is intended to reveal the ideas behind artworks and provide a transnational platform where artists can share their views and audiences can appreciate the beauty of paper.

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Under the guidance of thanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism ,Organizing Committee of Oriental Beauty Valley Art Festival, Fengxian, Shanghai and Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts,  Shanghai international Paper Art Biennale , 2019 is sponsored by Culture and Tourism Bureau of Fengxian District, Shanghai ,organized by Fengxian Museum,School of Fashion Design，Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts.
Paper+ Studio and Hanji Development Institute and  co-organized by Korean Culture Center, Shanghai and Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation and Promotion Center of Fengxian District, Shanghai . Supporting institutions include Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai and International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists.

The Biennale consists of an exhibition, a seminar and a series of cultural and artistic activities. The exhibition will take place in the newly open Fengxian Museum. About 60 artists from around the world will be invited to present about 100 exhibits at the exhibition. There will bethere exhibition areas: International Paper Art Area, Paper Art Installation Area, and last but least, the Guest Country (Korea) Area. Along with the exhibition, an international seminar will be held for more than 10 paper art experts, scholars and government officials from home and abroad. There will also be artistic and cultural activities, such as thematic handicraft workshops and traveling exhibitions.

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​Exhibition Information
Date: September 10th - November 10th, 2019
Duration: Two months
Location: Fengxian Museum, Shanghai (No.333 Hupan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, China)
Opening day: September 10th
Opening ceremony: 10:00-11:30, September 10th
Academic forum: 13:00-16:30, September 10th
Museum opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (Tuesday to Sunday)
Online Exhibition Link:https://720yun.com/t/ddvkibpyrqb?scene_id=37089449

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