People attend the opening ceremony of the Amazing Women art forum at the Phoenix Center in Beijing on March 8, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Phoenix Center

 On Friday, which was International Women's Day, the Amazing Women art forum was held at the Phoenix Center in Beijing. The event brought together outstanding female representatives from the art and academic fields to discuss the role of women in art and society, the challenges they face, and future development opportunities.

This year, with the United Nations choosing "Invest in women: accelerate progress" as the theme for celebrations of global gender equality achievements, worldwide activities and discussions have begun to focus more deeply on the role of women in art and social empowerment.

Xiao Ge, director of the Phoenix Center and curator of the Amazing Her exhibition, stated in her address that starting from gender without being confined by gender, today's female Chinese artists represent a new concept of equality. "In the rising tide of 5G, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, perhaps gender-neutral equality will be achieved. The works of artists are not only visual enjoyment but also profound interpretations and reflections on various topics such as humanity, spirit, life, nature, and society."

General Manager of Business Operations at Forbes China Guo Junyi said in her speech that women are a key focus for Forbes China. "Over the past 20 years, Forbes China has been tracking and showcasing the progress and achievements of Chinese women in various fields. By co-hosting this exhibition with Phoenix Satellite TV, we hope to present a visual feast that gathers female creativity and pioneering spirit, witnesses the development of Chinese women in the art field, and pays tribute to female power."

At the scene, artist Lu Rongzhi also donated a large sculpture titled VIKI LULU - IV to the Phoenix Center.

Tao Yongbai, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Arts and academic host of the Amazing Her exhibition, stated in her keynote speech that since the late 20th century, women have transitioned from being observed, painted, and appreciated as cultural objects to becoming cultural creators. "Women have thus elevated the spirit of independence, autonomy, confidence, and self-strengthening, and embraced the 21st century era of artificial intelligence, big data and technology. This has strongly impacted and changed people's thinking and lifestyles, offering new opportunities for women who have broken free from the traditional gender binary curse and obtained psychological gender equality and liberation."

Art, as a bridge for communicating emotions and thoughts, always has a direct impact on the soul. The Amazing Her exhibition and various art forums have showcased the depth and breadth of Chinese women's art, valuing openness, flexibility, cooperation, empathy, empowerment, and critical open-mindedness, as well as the pursuit and longing for equality.

Global Times