Foreword

　　Founded in 1895, the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia) is one of the most prestigious international art events in the world . It serves not only as a bellwether for contemporary art, but also as a crucial platform for cross-cultural exchange and dialogue among nations. Since its inaugural participation in 2005 with a dedicated National Pavilion, China has captured international attention with its unique cultural perspective and artistic expression. Each appearance of the China Pavilion serves not only as a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Chinese culture, but also as an active engagement with the global art ecosystem . Through this prestigious art event, Chinese art engages in dialogue with the world, conveying the wisdom of Oriental aesthetics while showcasing the innovation and vitality of Chinese civilization in the context of globalization.

　　Themed Atlas: Harmony in Diversity, the China Pavilion at the 60th Venice International Art Biennale drew inspiration from the iconology of images as developed by Aby Warburg. The curatorial team juxtaposed Chinese paintings with global image history, structuring the exhibition around two major sections:CollectandTranslate. The "Collect" section presents theComprehensive Collection of Chinese Ancient Paintings, a monumental national cultural project, using digital media to showcase precious ancient Chinese paintings held overseas, highlighting their cultural journey from physical dispersal to digital repatriation . The "Translate" section features innovative works by seven contemporary Chinese artists who respond to traditional art, creating resonant connections across cultures and across past and present .

　　Bringing this exhibition to theWorld Expo Museumin Shanghai offers the city‘s audience not only a transcendent artistic experience that bridges time and space, but also a vibrant embodiment of cultural preservation and innovation. As a vital window to the world, Shanghai has always embraced cultural diversity with its characteristic spirit of openness, inclusivity, and innovation. Furthermore, this exhibition echoes the World Expo Museum’s mission of preserving cultural legacies, fostering international cultural exchange, and further illuminating the vision of "harmony in diversity"— the mutual appreciation and shared flourishing of civilizations.

　　We sincerely invite you to join this artistic journey, to feel the pulse of thousands of years of cultural heritage, and together, to explore the universal human aspiration of"harmony in diversity."