A Manifesto II: Redefining Artistic Boundaries at the Carrousel du Louvre

2025-02-18 Editor

Paris, February 18, 2025 –Shaoren Gou, International Arts News– A Manifesto II took place at the prestigious Carrousel du Louvre on February 8-9, 2025, marking a new milestone in global contemporary art. In an exclusive interview with International Arts News, visionary curator Tingting Fang shared her insights with journalist Shaoren Gou on February 18, 2025. Reflecting on the challenges of organizing a large-scale exhibition, she emphasized the immense dedication required, including intensive one-on-one meetings with artists and the physical toll on her team. However, she asserted that seeing the exhibition resonate with audiences made all the hard work worthwhile.

Building upon the success of its 2023 predecessor, Boundless Borders, Marginalized Voices: A Manifesto, this latest edition reaffirmed its commitment to artistic agency, cultural intersection, and the fundamental freedom of expression. By securing one of the world’s most renowned venues once again, the exhibition underscored its growing significance as a dynamic platform for creative discourse and transnational artistic exchange.

“A Manifesto II” exhibition site, February 8, 2025, Paris.

Visionary Curation and Global Collaboration

Curated by the visionary Tingting Fang, founder of the A Manifesto exhibition, the event showcased her transformative contributions to contemporary art. As the Dean of the Asian Academy of Arts and Arts Development Officer of UNESCO WFUCA, Fang has continuously bridged Eastern and Western aesthetics while fostering groundbreaking artistic dialogues. Her ability to curate exhibitions of extraordinary scale and depth, as demonstrated in A Manifesto II, solidifies her status as a pivotal figure in international contemporary art.

Jointly organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Federation of UNESCO Associations (UNESCO WFUCA) and the Association pour le Développement des Échanges France-Chine (ADEFC), the exhibition expanded upon the intellectual and aesthetic themes of its predecessor, further broadening intercultural dialogue and artistic mobility.

A Grand Opening with Distinguished Guests

The opening attracted an international audience of over 5,000 visitors on its inaugural day, far exceeding expectations. Esteemed attendees included:

Robert FOPA, Representative of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations

Yading, Knight of the French Legion of Honor, writer, translator, and Chairman of ADEFC

Jean-Éric de Saint Luc, President of the International Tourism Federation

André Deon, renowned French illustrator

Robert Prosperini, Inspector General of the French Ministry of Education

Françoise Monin, Editor-in-Chief of Artension Magazine

Additionally, the exhibition welcomed prominent artists, collectors, cultural luminaries, and key figures from the political and business sectors, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing contemporary artistic discourse and amplifying Asian artistic voices on the global stage.

Distinguished Guests.

Robert Prosperini, Inspector General at the French Ministry of Education, presents the award to internationally renowned jewelry designer Lu Ying

Robert Prosperini is presenting awards to the winners.

A Diverse and Prestigious Roster of Artists

A Manifesto II featured an exceptional lineup of artists from China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, with works by creators affiliated with renowned institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Central Academy of Fine Arts, China Academy of Art, Goldsmiths University of London, Harvard University, MIT Media Lab, Columbia University, and the Russian State Academy of Arts.

Among the participating artists were Augustina Droze, Xinyu Chen, Xiaoying Dong, Weiyun Duan, Shiwei Guo, Feifan Hu, Li He, Yunming He, Qiliang Huang, Wei Jiang, Weizheng Li, Jiaxin Li, Ying Lu, Jozie Lin, Qingling Li, Yijing Miao, Yanna Ruan, Yuzhen Sun, Chang Shen, Rui Tao, Xinyi Tang, Renxiang Wang, Ying Xiao, Yuyan Xie, Yiqi Zhao, Tianchen Zhang, Yufei Zhang, Zheming Zhang, Shuang Zhao, Zixuan Zhuang, and many others.

Co-curators Xiaoying Dong and Zixuan Zhuang ensured a seamless presentation of the artworks, further enhancing the exhibition’s impact.

French and Chinese artists took a group photo together.

Celebrating Cultural Exchange: Chinese Tea Culture

In response to the growing global interest in Eastern aesthetics, A Manifesto II introduced a dedicated section on Chinese tea culture, using this ancient tradition as a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue. By highlighting the philosophical and aesthetic dimensions of tea, the exhibition paid tribute to China’s intangible cultural heritage, reinforcing its global influence. This integration of artistic expression with historical tradition underscored the evolving nature of cultural exchange in contemporary art.

Live Demonstration of Chinese Tea Ceremony.

An Esteemed Advisory Panel

The exhibition was supported by an esteemed advisory panel, including:

Rémy Aron, President of the French Society of Artists

André Deon, renowned French illustrator

Françoise Monin, Editor-in-Chief of Artension

Małgorzata Paszko, Polish impressionist painter and sculptor

Augusto Freddi, Italian-Hungarian painter

Emmanuel Genaud, French painter, designer, and sculptor

Christophe Ronel, professor at the École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués

Sophie Saint-Laurent, painter and sculptor

Stéphane Bern, celebrated TV host, actor, and writer

Nelson Monfort, renowned French television presenter

Michèle Laroque, acclaimed actress and screenwriter

Alexandra Lamy, distinguished filmmaker and actress

A Lasting Impact on Global Artistic Discourse

The resounding success of A Manifesto II not only solidified the rising prominence of Asian contemporary art but also emphasized the fluid nature of global artistic exchange. Tingting Fang’s unparalleled ability to weave together artistic narratives from diverse cultural backgrounds positions her as an indispensable figure in contemporary art curation.

Beyond showcasing creative freedom, the exhibition posed critical questions: How can visibility for emerging artists be sustained in an ever-changing art world? How can global collaboration foster inclusivity in artistic representation? The discussions sparked by this landmark event will undoubtedly shape future curatorial practices and influence contemporary art’s cross-cultural engagement for years to come.

Boundless Borders: Marginalized Voices – A Manifesto, July 15, 2023, Paris.

Looking Ahead: A Manifesto III

With the triumph of A Manifesto II, anticipation for A Manifesto III continues to grow. Slated for 2026, the next iteration promises to push the boundaries of artistic discourse even further, explore new methodologies of curation, expand its global reach, and engage in deeper cross-disciplinary collaborations. Under Tingting Fang’s continued leadership, the A Manifesto series remains a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the ever-evolving art world.

As the series progresses, it cements its status as an essential institution in the international art landscape—redefining the very essence of artistic engagement and cultural exchange.