Organised by the prestigious Shanghai Museum and proudly supported by the renowned luxury brand Cartier, the exhibition titled “Cartier, the Power of Magic” establishes a compelling cultural dialogue that unites the maison’s exquisite high jewellery collection with a selection of ancient Chinese artworks. This captivating show is currently on display at Shanghai Museum East and will continue to enchant visitors until February 17, 2025. The dedicated curatorial team has meticulously chosen over 300 stunning creations from the illustrious Cartier Collection, accompanied by nearly 40 significant Chinese artworks sourced from prominent museums both domestically and internationally. This artistic dialogue not only highlights the cherished exchange of ideas but also showcases the striking resemblance between the artistic elegance of Cartier and the timeless allure of ancient Chinese art when it comes to capturing the essence of beauty.
“We believe this exhibition transcends the scope of a typical jewellery showcase,” expressed Shanghai Museum director Chu Xiaobo during the exhibition’s grand opening ceremony. “It embodies a deeper expression of China’s cultural confidence and self-awareness through its thoughtful curation, reflecting a profound engagement with history and artistry.”
Cai Guoqiang, a celebrated Chinese contemporary artist recognized for his innovative gunpowder-based art, played a pivotal role in guiding cAI (pronounced “AI Cai”) to create the exhibition’s striking scenography. A native of the historic southeastern city of Quanzhou, located in Fujian province, Cai fondly reminisced at the exhibition opening about the transformative experience of his first journey beyond his hometown, which took place aboard a coal train headed to Shanghai to witness French art. “A lot of the time, art was my own manifestation,” he reflected. “But this exhibition presents a richly diverse energy that combines Cartier’s exquisite jewellery and timepieces with the profound heritage pieces curated by Shanghai Museum, all while incorporating a hint of the mechanical logic of AI.”
“This exhibition is distinctly more analytical, taking a fresh look at the bonds uniting China and Cartier, and also at a relatively unexplored yet intrinsic aspect of jewellery: magic,” remarked Cartier’s image, style, and heritage director Pierre Rainero in a statement. The presence of esteemed figures such as actress Gong Li and artist Cai Guoqiang at the opening of “Cartier, the Power of Magic” underscored the event’s significance.
Entering the exhibition, visitors find themselves completely immersed in a serene traditional Chinese courtyard setting that exudes both tranquillity and dynamic energy. This thoughtfully designed exhibition hall features mesmerizing projections on layers of silk that gracefully hang from the ceiling, evoking the ethereal image of drifting clouds above a lake-like floor inspired by the breathtaking landscape paintings of the Yuan dynasty artist Ni Zan. Within this enchanting atmosphere, both jewellery and Chinese artworks twinkle with an enchanting brilliance, reminiscent of stars scattered across a night sky.
Key Cartier exhibits featured in this extraordinary show include an academician’s sword crafted in the mid-20th century specifically for the acclaimed French writer Jean Cocteau, striking tiaras once worn by European royalty and the aristocracy, and bespoke masterpieces that demonstrate the remarkable breadth and depth of the maison’s distinctive style and creativity. An archival clock from the prestigious Cartier Collection captivates the audience as it stands proudly among other iconic pieces at the exhibition “Cartier, the Power of Magic.”
**An Exclusive Interview with Cai Guoqiang on “Cartier, the Power of Magic” Exhibition**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mr. Cai. Your involvement in the exhibition “Cartier, the Power of Magic” has certainly captivated many. Can you tell us what inspired you to collaborate on this project?
**Cai Guoqiang:** Thank you for having me. My inspiration stems from my deep appreciation for both Cartier’s artistic legacy and the rich cultural heritage of China. Bringing these two worlds together is an exciting opportunity to create a dialogue that not only celebrates beauty but also reflects our shared history.
**Interviewer:** The exhibition features a remarkable selection of over 300 Cartier creations alongside 40 significant Chinese artworks. How did the curatorial team decide which pieces to display?
**Cai Guoqiang:** The process was meticulous. The curatorial team, alongside myself, aimed to find pieces that resonated with themes of beauty and elegance in both cultures. We wanted to highlight the similarities in craftsmanship and artistic philosophy between Cartier’s modern expressions and the timeless nature of ancient Chinese art. Each piece was chosen to foster that conversation.
**Interviewer:** Shanghai Museum Director Chu Xiaobo mentioned that this exhibition transcends a typical jewellery showcase. In your opinion, what makes it stand out?
**Cai Guoqiang:** This exhibition goes beyond mere aesthetics; it embodies a profound cultural dialogue. It’s a celebration of China’s artistic confidence and self-awareness. By intertwining Cartier’s exquisite work with ancient artifacts, we present a narrative steeped in history and artistry, showing visitors that these elements can coexist beautifully.
**Interviewer:** As you reflect on your journey from Quanzhou to now, how do you think your background has influenced your artistic vision in this exhibition?
**Cai Guoqiang:** Growing up in Quanzhou profoundly shaped my artistic sensibilities; it taught me the value of heritage and the power of innovation. My first trip to Shanghai ignited my passion for art, and now, collaborating with iconic institutions like the Shanghai Museum and Cartier feels like a circle completed. My background drives me to create work that bridges traditional values with modern expressions.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope visitors take away from “Cartier, the Power of Magic”?
**Cai Guoqiang:** I hope visitors leave with a sense of wonder—a realization that beauty resonates across cultures and eras. This exhibition is about celebrating our shared human experience and the artistic accomplishments that emerge from that intersection. I want people to appreciate the craftsmanship and the stories that each piece tells.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Cai, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how this exhibition unfolds.
**Cai Guoqiang:** Thank you! I invite everyone to experience the magic for themselves.