(Un)masked. Sino-Italian Contemporary Photography Exhibition

Participating Artists: Giovanni Capriotti, Andrea Cavazzuti, Guido Harari, Lu Yuanmin, Ma Hailun, Ma Liang, Giovanni Pungetti, Shi Yang, Studio Azzurro, Yang Wenbin

Curators: Francesco D’Arelli, Zeng Yulan

Organized by Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, under the guidance of Shanghai Hongkou District Publicity Department, in partnership with Shanghai International Culture Association, and with special support of Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai, Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai, Administration of Culture and Tourism, Hongkou District, Information Office of Shanghai Hongkou District and Shanghai Hongkou District People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the exhibition (Un)masked. Sino-Italian Contemporary Photography Exhibition inaugurated on April 10, 2026 at Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art.

Curated jointly by Francesco D’Arelli and Zeng Yulan, the exhibition brings together over 100 photographic and video artworks created by 10 contemporary visual artists from China and Italy.

Both China and Italy possess ancient and splendid civilizations. Throughout history, the two civilizations have enjoyed frequent exchanges; cultural dialogue and interaction have not only deepened mutual understanding, but also continuously stimulated creative vitality between them. Beneath the veil of ancient civilizations, both countries also demonstrate dynamic vitality and remarkable achievements in contemporary culture.

This exhibition focuses on the vivid individuals emerging amidst the sweeping currents of our time, presenting portraits of diverse “faces” within different cultural contexts. The face is the uncovered part of the body: except for special occasions based on tradition, culture, custom, habit, and, at times, forced requirements, it is never concealed. The face shapes and defines the singular identity of the individual, serving as the primordial source of social identification, while also revealing society, community, and the essence of human coexistence. It endows the human figure with distinctive and unequivocal traits.

Through their unique visual language, the Chinese and Italian artists in this exhibition present portraits of individuals living in diverse social and cultural contexts. Through their portrayal of individuals, particularly through depictions of faces, they confront cultural differences with humanistic care and understanding, dissolving prejudice. In this post-globalization era, marked by technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence, narratives imbued with warmth from the lenses and works of these artists are all the more precious.

In this exhibition, contemporary artists from China and Italy use art as a bridge, defending human dignity through imagination, empathy and curiosity, while contemplating the future direction of our shared human destiny.

During the exhibition, a series of lectures and workshops on the exhibition’s theme will be organized for the citizens of Shanghai. Chinese and Italian artists will also visit Hongkou District and the North Bund, exploring Shanghai’s cultural landmarks while engaging in dialogue with the public. Through participatory art experiences, artistic creation, and exchange, the exhibition aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding between China and Italy. The exhibition will run until July 12.