"The Week That Changed the World: Nixon, China and the Arts," will be on display from June 24 to August 18, 2016, at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, the United States. (Xinhua/Zhang Chaoqun)
An exhibition focusing on U.S. President Richard Nixon's trip to China in 1972 and China-U.S. cultural exchange in recent 40 years was unveiled to public Friday at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.
The exhibition, named "The Week That Changed the World: Nixon, China and the Arts," is presented by South Coast Plaza and the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, along with renowned arts institutions in the United States like The Getty, Bowers Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and among others.
Showcasing dozens of valuable historic photos and videos on Nixon's China visit, the exhibition presents significant arts and cultural developments resulting from President Richard Nixon's historic 1972 trip to China, an important step in the normalization of China-U.S. relations.
The 2,300 square feet (about 214 square meters) multi-media exhibition features a dynamic cylindrical design with culturally relevant themes: A Taiji yin yang motif symbolizes the complementary relationship between the two nations and a moon gate, a traditional architectural element in Chinese gardens, represents a portal connecting the two world powers.
"Over the last 10 to 20 years it is very obvious, as the pan Pacific area grows, that China has become such an important member and contributor to Southern California. We as a community center have an obligation to cultivate relationships and I personally think it's a great opportunity to reduce tension in the world," said David Grant, the general manager of South Coast Plaza.
It became very obvious that President Nixon's visit to China is more important now than ever. It was kind of forgotten things for a number of years, so now we've kind of revived the knowledge," he added.
Bill Baribault, president and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, said "The impact of President Nixon's trip to China and how it shaped our world for the positive are immeasurable."
"We are thrilled to partner with South Coast Plaza in highlighting the remarkable Chinese art and cultural heritage Americans can now enjoy as a result of President Nixon's historic trip to China."
Jenny, a white-haired lady, peered into every photo of the exhibition. "As the generation came from that age, I am very pleased to see the cooperation between China and America nowadays," She said.
"The Week That Changed the World: Nixon, China and the Arts," will be on display from June 24 to Aug. 18 at South Coast Plaza's Jewel Court.
