The 2024 Shanghai International Printmaking Exhibition, an academic showcase featuring over 170 works from both domestic and international artists, opened at the Shanghai Art Museum on March 26.

The exhibition, a hallmark of the Shanghai Art Museum, delves into the profound impact of the Silk Road on the dissemination of Chinese cultural and artistic traditions and presents a contemporary global perspective on printmaking.

Emphasizing the historical significance of printmaking as a medium of visual art, the exhibition explores its role in facilitating dialogue between civilizations.

By tracing the journey of traditional Chinese printmaking along the Silk Road, it highlights how these techniques have influenced and promoted the development of printmaking and printing across various cultures.

The 2024 Shanghai International Printmaking Exhibition opened at the Shanghai Art Museum on March 26. [Photo/WeChat account: pdnews]

Additionally, the exhibition showcases the reciprocal exchange and achievements in printmaking between China and the West, propelled by advancements in modern printmaking technologies.

Featuring a diverse array of print types, including woodblock, etching, lithography, screen printing, and digital printmaking, this exhibition presents a century-spanning collection of influential works.

"Printmaking, which originated in China and then spread across the globe, embodies the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is a testament to the enduring exchange and mutual respect between Eastern and Western civilizations," said Lu Zhiping, chief curator of the Shanghai International Printmaking Exhibition.

This exhibition not only offers a fascinating journey through art but also serves as a reflection on the interconnectedness of world cultures.

In addition to showcasing influential artistic works, the exhibition includes a special collection of bookplates by 23 artists from nine countries and introduces a range of printmaking-inspired cultural products. Interactive activities will also be available, inviting participants to engage directly with the art of printmaking.

After its inception in 2010, the Shanghai International Printmaking Exhibition has gone on to become a global platform for showcasing, exchanging, and innovating in the field of printmaking, underlining the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and history.