A Cross-Cultural Dialogue Through Contemporary Art at GDMoA

On May 8, the Guangdong Museum of Art (BAIETAN) hosted the opening of ‘Personal Favorites: Xin Dong Cheng’s Contemporary Art Collection,’ an exhibition that unites 53 works from 48 artists across 9 countries. 

Supported by the Embassy of France in China, the Cuban Embassy in China, and the French Consulate General in Guangzhou, this exhibition explores the creation and spread of art in a cross-cultural context.

Curated by renowned collector Xin Dong Cheng (程昕东), the exhibition reflects on how art evolves within different cultural systems, promoting dialogue and fostering the exchange of ideas across borders. 

The display includes works in a variety of media—painting, sculpture, photography, and installation—blending figurative and abstract, conceptual and traditional techniques.

Xin Dong Cheng, an advocate for the global recognition of Chinese contemporary art, has built an extensive collection of nearly a thousand works from Chinese artists over several generations. 

His donations to public institutions further promote artistic exchange and understanding. 

Among the exhibition’s featured pieces are career-defining works that draw significant academic and artistic attention.

Exploring Identity & Urban Change      

The exhibition is divided into two parts: ‘我·我们’ (I and We) and ‘景·观’ (Scenery and Landscape), each exploring individual identity and collective experience.

In ‘I and We,’ the focus is on the awakening of personal identity in contemporary art, with artists reflecting on their own experiences in response to social changes and cultural shifts. 

This section highlights the dynamic conversation between the individual and the collective.

‘Scenery and Landscape’ addresses the transformation of urban spaces since China’s reform and opening up. 

Through various artistic media, this section explores how landscapes shape collective memory and social structures, offering a critical look at how cities and their inhabitants change over time.

Part of the 2025 edition of Festival Croisements, this exhibition deepens the cultural exchange between China and France, fostering academic discussions and collaboration in contemporary art. 

By presenting diverse works in a shared space, the exhibition allows for meaningful cultural interactions and new perspectives on art history and collections in a globalized world.

READ MORE: Festival Croisements 2025 Kicks Off in South China

Personal Favorites: Xin Dong Cheng’s Contemporary Art Collection

Until July 20

Guangdong Museum of Art (Baietan), No.19-1 Bai’etan Nan Lu, Liwan 

荔湾区白鹅潭南路19号之一广东美术馆四楼14号厅