Education and connection to the past: the artwork "My Grandmother — Zhang Fengying" at the "Legacy for the Future" exposition

The unique exposition "Legacy for the Future," featuring the vibrant creations of young artists from around the globe, continues at the National Centre RUSSIA. Among its diverse works, visitors can discover Chinese characters that look like they are floating in the air. This remarkable piece, titled "My Grandmother — Zhang Fengying," was created by a Chinese artist and addresses numerous essential themes, from the challenges women face to the connection between generations.

Han Yushi's artwork, "My Grandmother — Zhang Fengying," uses embroidery on a transparent base to present the characters written by the artist's grandmother when she first held a pen.

"My grandmother is a 90-year-old illiterate woman. Perhaps everyone has a senior family member who, despite being unable to read or write, shares a profound emotional bond with them throughout their life. Using simple language, my grandmother told me her story, imbued with unyielding love for life despite hardships and struggles. While working on this piece, I interacted closely with my grandmother, and her stories deepened my understanding of the plight of 'illiterate women' in modern society," the artist explained.

Her work is not only a tribute to a beloved family member but also a reflection on the profound emotional connection with older generations, whose experiences highlight the critical role of education. Creativity, drawing on the past, can enhance the future world.

"My grandmother's experiences made me realize the importance of education in a woman's life and the challenges illiterate women face. Her stories and the emotions they carried profoundly moved me, inspiring me to delve deeper into the inner world of women, their resilience, and courage," Han Yushi shared.

The artist hopes her work will amplify the voices of "illiterate women" and share their life experiences to raise public awareness and foster greater understanding of their struggles.

The exposition features over 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and art installations in styles ranging from classical to avant-garde. "Legacy for the Future" is a large-scale project by the National Centre RUSSIA, promoting the idea of a multicultural dialogue about the world's future, with humanity as its core.

The exposition presents works by young artists from six countries: Russia, China, India, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Iran. Through their art, these creators offer personal responses to contemporary challenges, reflect on the present, and contemplate the future.

Visitors to the National Centre can explore the exposition independently or join free guided tours lasting 30 or 60 minutes. Registration is available on the website under the "Events" section.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.

The National Centre RUSSIA is located at 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, Moscow. The Centre is open from 10:00 to 20:00 every day except Monday.