ZhangChunhe the General Art Consultant of Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute

Born in Lijiang of the Naxi tribe, Yunnan province,in 1958 and graduated from the Fine Art Department of Beijing’s Central Academy of National Minorities in 1987.He always has been devoted to the study of modern Dongba-style painting and is one of the most representative pioneers in the modern Dongba style  painting. Currently working as a production designer at the August 1st Film Studio in Beijing,while serving as a member of China Artists Association, Director of China Murals Association,Vice-Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Dongba Art＆Culture in Beijing,Vice-Chairman of the lnternational Society of Naxi Studies.Zhang is also a member of the Murals Committee of the Architectural Society of China.

Biographical Background

Zhang Chunhe was born in Lijiang, Yunnan province, in 1958. He graduated from the Fine Art Department of Beijing’s Central Academy of National Minorities in 1987. Zhang has dedicated himself to the study of modern Dongba-style painting and is a prominent pioneer in this field.

Current Positions and Affiliations

Currently, Zhang works as a production designer at the August 1st Film Studio in Beijing. He holds several prestigious positions: he is a member of the China Artists Association, Director of the China Murals Association, Vice-Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Dongba Art & Culture in Beijing, and Vice-Chairman of the International Society of Naxi Studies. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Murals Committee of the Architectural Society of China.

Career Highlights

  • 1987: Held a solo exhibition in Beijing.
  • 1990: Organized an art exhibition in Japan.
  • 1992: Participated in the 1st Contemporary Art Exhibition in Israel and held another solo exhibition in Beijing.
  • 1993: Exhibited at the Embassy of Mexico in Beijing and in Germany.
  • 1994: Joined exhibitions at the Embassy of Romania in Beijing and in Germany.
  • 1998: Exhibited in Beijing and won the Best Work award for “The Temple of Dongba” at the National Mural Grand Exhibition.
  • 1999: Two murals selected for the National Mural Grand Exhibition.
  • 2000: Exhibited in Shangri-La for the 9th National Art Exhibition and held a solo exhibition in Singapore.
  • 2004: “Soldiers Marching across Yunnan: Celebration” chosen for the 10th National Art Exhibition.

Publications and Collections

Zhang has published several personal catalogues, including “Contemporary Dongba Paintings of Zhang Chunhe” and “A Collection of Zhang Chunhe’s Works.” His artworks are housed in prestigious collections such as the China National Museum of Fine Art, the Beijing International Yiyuan Art Museum, the Museum of Ethnology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, and the Art Gallery at the University of Alabama in America.

Artistic Philosophy and Cultural Contribution

Zhang’s work revolves around modern Dongba painting, which he sees as a vital cultural transmission tool amidst the decline of Dongba pictography. He integrates ancient religious principles into his art, preserving and revitalizing Naxi cultural heritage through his unique artistic expression.

Autobiographical Reflections

Reflecting on his journey, Zhang emphasizes his deep connection to nature and the ancient Dongba culture. His creative process is a spiritual endeavor, aiming to bridge contemporary and ancient worlds through visual storytelling.