The Power of Sculpture to Remember History

On a sweltering summer day, visitors entering the rest area of Beijing's Imperial Ancestral Temple encounter not only cool air but also the heavy weight of history. While the majesty of the centuries-old architecture is impressive, what proves even more powerful are the displayed artworks. Among these works depicting pivotal moments from the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), a group of sculptures on a white central platform particularly captures visitors' attention.

These sculptures powerfully visualize terror and despair through contorted bodies, hollow gazes, and torn clothing. Some figures look up to the sky, others scream in silence, some struggle for survival, while others have already fallen, having lost their lives.

Wu Weishan's 'Tao Nan' - Fleeing from Disaster

This work is titled 'Tao Nan (逃難)', or 'Flight from Calamity,' created by Wu Weishan, former director of the National Art Museum of China. It was commissioned as a thematic sculpture for the expansion of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre.

At the opening ceremony on July 28 of this art exhibition emphasizing the endurance and resistance of Chinese people during the War of Resistance, Wu Weishan stated, "The purpose of creating these sculptures is to remember history, not to foster hatred." He emphasized that "art can play a role in commemorating history and calling for peace, fully expressing Chinese values and love for peace."

Artistic Approach Converting Sorrow into Strength

The sculptures displayed in the main hall of the Imperial Ancestral Temple average several dozen centimeters in height, while enlarged versions stand solemnly at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

Overall, this sculptural ensemble resembles powerful musical movement. It demonstrates dynamics that rise, fall, flow, ascend, and soar. Spatially, the energy these sculptures project envelops viewers in an atmosphere of deep compassion and sorrow. Because hearts are moved even before entering the memorial hall, once inside, each view of bone fragments or blood-stained clothing evokes infinite sadness and reflection.

In these sculptures created from 2005 to 2007, Wu Weishan avoided directly depicting Japanese military atrocities, instead focusing on the victims to capture the devastation and suffering of Nanjing residents during the massacre. He portrayed moments when families were torn apart and lives destroyed.

Preserving History Through Literature and Art

Literary and artistic works themed on the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression—whether classic works created during wartime or works looking back on history—all embody historical memory and national spirit. Through artistic forms, they cross the long river of time, allowing us to deeply feel the fearless attitude and endurance of Chinese people during the War of Resistance, while simultaneously inspiring people's patriotism.

This exhibition is not simply a recollection of the past but provides lessons for the present and future. Preserving history and conveying the message of peace through sculpture and painting is precisely the core purpose of this exhibition.

Cross-Generational Expression Toward Peace [AI Analysis]

These sculptures are witnesses to history and works that embody the aspiration for peace. Such expression has continued throughout generations of Chinese artistic creation. Every line, every chisel mark, every brushstroke exists to ensure people never forget.

Such artistic efforts are likely to continue in the future. The message of remembering history and pursuing peace must be transmitted across eras, and art is one of its most powerful mediums. Particularly in conveying the horrors of war and the value of peace to younger generations, the role of these visual artworks is expected to become increasingly important.