Health Information

An Interview with Zhang Donghui on the Concept and Significance of the Collaborative Exhibition on Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture, “Passing Down with Wisdom, Sharing Intangible Cultural Heritage”

Release Date:

2023-09-17 18:48

 

Preparations for the “Inheriting with Integrity, Sharing Intangible Cultural Heritage” joint exhibition of traditional Chinese medicine culture are now in the final stages. The calligraphers’ works have all been collected and mounted, and as the official opening draws near, we have invited Zhang Donghui, Vice Chairman of the Luoyang Calligraphers Association and Chairman of the Luolong District Calligraphy Association, to share his thoughts on his innovative pieces and his understanding of traditional Chinese medicine culture.

 

 

Chairman Zhang Donghui stated that he was delighted to participate in such a unique exhibition, which represents a groundbreaking event both for the culture of traditional Chinese medicine and for the calligraphy community. For traditional Chinese medicine, this exhibition is highly practical and serves as a vital effort to preserve and revitalize the tradition, effectively paving the way for it to integrate into everyday life. As for the calligraphy community, this marks the first time that a calligraphy exhibition has been endowed with substantive content, transforming calligraphy from an esoteric art enjoyed by a select few into an art form that establishes a genuine and meaningful connection with our daily lives.

Meanwhile, Chairman Zhang Donghui also shared his views on traditional Chinese medicine culture.

He said—

Traditional Chinese medicine culture is, in essence, embedded in our everyday lives—it permeates every aspect of our daily routines, from what we eat and wear to how we sleep, move, and adapt to the changing seasons and weather. From a TCM perspective, even the foods we consume each day have specific medicinal properties and therapeutic effects; there are optimal times for sleeping and waking; exercise should be practiced with appropriate intensity; and our choices of clothing, diet, housing, and transportation vary according to the season and weather conditions. All of these aspects subtly reflect the principles and wisdom of TCM—yet we often overlook their presence.

At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine is philosophical; it addresses not only the physical but also the psychological dimensions of health. It emphasizes “preventing disease before it occurs” rather than merely treating existing ailments; it advocates harmonizing body and mind in accordance with natural principles; it places equal emphasis on physiological well-being and psychological health; and it focuses on tailoring treatment to the specific symptoms while attuning to the individual’s unique experience. From this perspective, each person’s therapeutic approach is truly one-of-a-kind.

When asked how he came up with the two creative exhibition pieces—“Tree of Happiness” and the “Medicine–Food Homology Package”—Chairman Zhang Donghui said that the moment he heard about the format of the exhibition, the ideas instantly sprang to mind. He explained that this exhibition is truly unique: unlike traditional calligraphy shows, it calls for content that is creative, three-dimensional, engaging, and interactive, enabling the public to experience the charm of traditional Chinese medicine culture up close.

The “Tree of Happiness” involves bringing a large tree to the exhibition venue, adorned with prescriptions and blessing cards. This creative concept stems from the profound connection between traditional Chinese medicine culture and the rhythms of nature and the four seasons. Such a Tree of Happiness can help awaken the public’s understanding and memory of this cultural heritage.

The “Medicinal–Food Homology Package,” on the other hand, features 70 everyday foods that are commonly consumed in our daily lives, carefully selected in accordance with traditional Chinese medicinal culture—such as coix seed, adzuki beans, peanuts, and red dates. Although these ingredients are familiar to us, we often lack a thorough understanding of their full potential. The exhibition offers a direct and engaging approach, inviting visitors to rediscover the unique appeal of these familiar staples.

 

 

Chairman Zhang Donghui’s two creative works have infused the entire exhibition with a stronger sense of interactivity and immersive atmosphere. Combined with the calligraphic masterpieces by the renowned calligraphers of our “Ruyue Yaji” series, the exhibition boasts rich, engaging content that is deeply steeped in cultural heritage and thoroughly enjoyable to explore—making it truly something to look forward to.

For more details and creative insights, stay tuned for the “Inheriting with Wisdom: Sharing Intangible Cultural Heritage” joint exhibition on traditional Chinese medicine culture.

 

Keywords: