Salon Review: The Clash of Chinese and Foreign Cultures at Dafen! International students from multiple countries joined a tie-dye salon, helping to further boost Dafen's international exchanges.

2026-01-17 13:38By ARTDAFEN

On the afternoon of September 19, 2025, the Dafen International Exchange Salon was successfully held at the Dafen Art Museum.The salon theme is 'Encountering Blue Hues: Traditional Tie-Dye Canvas Bags', inviting 30 international students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

On the afternoon of September 19, 2025, the Dafen International Exchange Salon was successfully held at the Dafen Art Museum. This edition, titled “Encounter the indigo, Born from Dye — Traditional Tie-Dye Canvas Bag,” invited 30 international students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Indonesia.

Tie-dyeAs an ancient Chinese folk dyeing technique, it is like a magical spell written on fabric. This salon event hopes to bring together art enthusiasts from around the world to deeply experience different cultural arts, broaden international perspectives, and learn about the development and artistic characteristics of Dafen Oil Painting Village.Promote Chinese culture through traditional Chinese craftsmanship and enhance the international influence of Dafen Oil Painting Village.。

Tie-dye, an ancient Chinese folk dyeing technique, is like a magical spell woven into fabric. Through this salon, we aimed to bring together art enthusiasts from around the world to deeply experience diverse cultures, broaden international perspectives, and learn about the development and artistic features of Dafen Oil Painting Village. By integrating traditional Chinese craftsmanship, we seek to promote Chinese culture and enhance the global influence of Dafen.

First, the staff led the international students on a tour of the second floor.“Miracle — 100-Meter Oil Painting Scroll Exhibition Commemorating the 45th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone”, the exhibition focuses on showcasing how Shenzhen has transformed from a once backward border town into a globally influential international metropolis and a world-renowned city of innovation. By appreciating and interpreting the magnificent 128-meter-long scroll, international students can experience the miracle of Shenzhen's development and gain a new understanding of China's urban landscape and achievements in innovation.

The event began with a guided tour for the international students through the exhibition Miracle — A 100-Meter Oil Painting Scroll for the 45th Anniversary of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone on the second floor. The exhibition vividly captures Shenzhen’s transformation from a once-backwater border town into a globally influential international metropolis and a hub of innovation. By appreciating and interpreting the 128-meter grand scroll, the students gained insight into the miracle of Shenzhen’s development and formed a new understanding of China’s urban landscape and innovative achievements.

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Then, the tie-dye experience officially began. Through the introduction by professional instructors, participants learned about the color choices and production techniques of tie-dye, as well as the development of ancient Chinese fabric dyeing techniques and the unique artistic charm of modern tie-dye. Under the patient guidance of the instructors, the international students eagerly picked up white canvas bags and began tying, folding, and knotting the fabric with rubber bands and strings. Some mimicked traditional patterns, winding the corners of the cloth into spirals, while others boldly innovated, creating geometric designs full of exotic flair. The dye chosen was a naturally fermented indigo made from Isatis root. When everyone dyed their carefully tied canvas bags in indigo, their faces were filled with expressions of anticipation.

The tie-dye experience session then commenced. The instructor introduced the color usage and craftsmanship of tie-dye, explaining the evolution of ancient Chinese dyeing techniques and the unique artistic appeal of modern tie-dye. Under the patient guidance of the instructor, the students eagerly picked up their plain white canvas bags and began twisting, folding, and tying the fabric with rubber bands and strings. Some imitated traditional patterns, coiling the cloth into spirals; others experimented boldly, creating geometric designs with exotic flair. The dye used was a natural indigo blue fermented from isatis root, one of traditional herbs in China.As the carefully bound bags were dipped into the vat, the students’ faces lit up with anticipation.

During the intervals while waiting for the dye to permeate, the atmosphere on site was lively and harmonious, with bursts of laughter and conversation now and then. Although everyone came from different countries, their love and focus on traditional Chinese craftsmanship were shared. When the tightly wrapped canvas bags were carefully immersed in the indigo dye, anticipation could be seen on everyone's faces. After a period of soaking and dyeing, everyone eagerly untied the threads and unfolded the canvas bags—on the originally pure white fabric, a variety of lively and natural blue-and-white patterns instantly appeared. Some resembled clouds floating in the sky, some looked like streams flowing through the mountains, and some were like blooming flowers. Everyone marveled at this unexpected beauty.

During the waiting period for the dye to set, the atmosphere was lively and warm, filled with laughter and conversation. Though from different countries, everyone shared a common passion and focus for this traditional Chinese craft. When the tightly bound canvas bags were carefully immersed into the indigo dye, each face was filled with expectation. After soaking and dyeing, the students eagerly untied the strings and unfolded their bags—what once was plain white fabric now bloomed with dynamic, naturally formed blue-and-white patterns. Some resembled drifting clouds, others flowing streams or blossoming flowers. Each person marveled at the unexpectedly beautiful results.

At the end of the event, the international students eagerly showcased their works, took photos with each other to remember the moment, expressing their love for tie-dye techniques and their admiration for traditional Chinese culture.

At the end of the event, the students proudly displayed their creations, took photos together, and expressed their admiration for the tie-dye technique and traditional Chinese culture.

This salon not only allowed foreign friends to personally experience the charm of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, providing international students with an opportunity to engage in and be immersed in extracurricular artistic experiences, but also built a bridge for cultural exchange, promoted the international image of Dafen Oil Painting Village, and enhanced understanding and friendship among art enthusiasts from different countries through interaction.

This salon not only allowed international friends to personally experience the charm of Chinese traditional craftsmanship and participate in extracurricular artistic immersion but also built a bridge for cultural exchange. It helped promote Dafen Oil Painting Village’s international image, fostering understanding and friendship among art lovers from different countries through meaningful interaction.