Organised to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, as well as the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism, the exhibition was put together by the HK Palace Museum, the Palace Museum and the Palace of Versailles, in a display of continued dialogue and efficiency of Soft Power.

Explanations of cultural exchanges, agricultural & technological improvements allow to understand the depth of exchanges and the impact it had on both places, from courtisans to broad segments of society, including Voltaire’s and the Enlightenment Era’s fascination with China.

I saw a similar exhibition at the NY Neue Gallery, and it was similarly gripping. The Nazi experience is a reminder that no society is protected from cultural and political tyranny, and what we increasingly see around the world, including in supposed #democracy, is very concerning. Not to be missed…

On the way, destroying countless lives, but also unique pieces of art from Van Gogh, Picasso, or Kandinsky, some of which we can only see on historical photos before they were destroyed, while some of the surviving ones are displayed at the Museum, with explanation on their survival journey.

Step by step, each room displays the evolution and degradation from the early 30’s to 1945, from small changes such as targeting a small group of people and behaviour, to setting the limits to what is “acceptable”, to eventually banning it and getting rid of the selected group.

If you have not been to the @museelouvre.bsky.social, go now. And if you have, go back for this exceptional exhibition.

Pieces from European brands such as Dior, Hermes or Alaia dialogue with those from Yohji Yamamoto, Dura Olowu or Rahbi Kayrouz. From clothing, accessories or shoes, eyes are attracted everywhere, discovering the exceptional collections of the Louvre, some of them in the apartments of Napoleon III.

Curated with the incomparable #Parisian style, sequins, silk and other fabrics blend with historical artefacts, painting and tainted glass from the 13th to the 19th century, creating a vibrant dialogue linking tradition to innovation. #Craftsmanship is at the core of this dialogue.

Even more gratifying to know that FINN Partners is the communication agency for the exhibition through Claudine Colin Communication, who handles most Art & Culture projects of institutions such as Picasso Museum to Arles Photo Festival, to brands such as Miu Miu and YSL, or the Pinault Collection.

The mix of creativity, delicate craftsmanship, cultural Sicilian roots, put together in masterful staging and music is simply gripping and inspirational… Going through universes from Sicilian traditions to Italian Opera, from “Il Gattopardo” to Baroque decorations and Venetian glass is pure bliss.

Having seen how that last one went, and the possible global repercussions of the current one, there are reasons to keep on alert.

Thanks @sabrinaguttman.bsky.social for directing me to this podcast many months ago.

Having lived in China for some time, and although we are talking of a different time and system, many aspects of it, including the use of Doge Kids, have a relent of “Cultural revolution”, with similar vocabulary such as “Culture war”.

Beyond the usual legal and political considerations heard over the last few days, it covers the geopolitical and international spying issues, the conflicts of interest, and many other important aspect of the current situation.

Fascinating!

Thanks for facilitating this fascinating discussion on this fascinating book Pierre.