Sanjiang’s four seasons cross borders in Thailand art debut

Centered on the theme “Symphony of the Four Seasons,” the exhibition explores the countryside, seasonal rhythms and Dong ethnic culture of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County in Guangxi, China.

Created by local artists, the paintings follow rural life through spring, summer, autumn and winter. Village scenes, festivals, farming, traditional clothing, ethnic customs and family life show how nature and culture continue to shape the identity of the community.

The Thailand presentation was guided by chief curator Prof. Xiang Yong, one of China’s leading scholars in cultural and creative industries.

Prof. Xiang is a professor at Peking University’s School of Arts and dean of its Institute for Cultural Industries. He is also the holder of the UNESCO Chair on Creativity and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas. His work connects cultural creativity, digital innovation, heritage protection and sustainable rural development.

As chief curator, Prof. Xiang helped shape an exhibition that presents rural painting as both an artistic form and a record of community life. The collection allows Sanjiang’s artists to portray their own traditions, surroundings and experiences rather than having their stories interpreted by outsiders.

This Thailand tour marks the first international presentation of the collection. It offers audiences an authentic encounter with Chinese rural culture while building connections among artists, academics, students and cultural institutions in China and Thailand.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, vice president for Educational Innovation and Graduate Studies, delivered Assumption University’s welcome address during the opening ceremony.

Dr. Apichart Intravisit, program director of Assumption University’s Master of Arts in Art and Design, co-hosted the ceremony with Zhang Pujie, also known as Cooper. Dr. Apichart welcomed participating artists, academics and representatives of the partner institutions.

Mr. Chen Yuqiu, chair of the Sanjiang County Artists Association and a member of the China Artists Association, addressed guests on behalf of the visiting delegation.

Prof. Xiang also presented a commemorative gift to Assumption University during the ceremony.

The ribbon-cutting brought together Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanintorn Jittawiriyanukoon, vice president for Research and Academic Services; Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, vice president for Moral Development Education; Prof. Xiang; Assoc. Prof. Mou Luntian; and Mr. Chen.

The exhibition forms part of the creative and academic activities connected with Assumption University’s Master of Arts in Art and Design. The program brings together artists, designers and cultural practitioners while encouraging creative work across disciplines and national borders.

The exhibition is presented under the guidance of the UNESCO Chair on Creativity and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas.

It is organized by the Institute for Cultural Industries of Peking University, Assumption University and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County.

The PKU–Assumption University Joint Laboratory of Cultural Technology and Social Innovation serves as co-organizer. Implementation support is provided by the Digital Creativity Laboratory at Peking University’s Advanced Institute of Information Technology and the Sanjiang Artists Association in Guangxi.

Through scenes rooted in everyday experience, “Four Seasons Symphony” presents rural China as a living community shaped by work, celebration, family, tradition and the steady turning of the seasons.

Exhibition information

Dates: July 6–26, 2026

Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Venue: AU Museum of Assumption University, Suvarnabhumi Campus, Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan

Admission: Free

Master of Arts in Art and Design inquiries

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