Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Creating Modernity: Artistic Treasures from the Musée d'Orsay" showcases over a hundred masterpieces from the mid-19th to early 20th century, aiming to break the isolation of individual artists and art movements, while highlighting the interconnectedness of artists and their times [1][6][10]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition opens on June 18 at the Pudong Art Museum and is the largest ever held by the Musée d'Orsay in China [1]. - Curator Stéphane Guégan emphasizes the selection of artworks based on "excellence," including lesser-known pieces that reflect high artistic standards [1][9]. - The exhibition spans from the classical works of Jérôme and Cabanel to the modern expressions of Bonnard, illustrating the evolution of artistic themes such as the depiction of the nude [5][6]. Group 2: Historical Context - The time frame of 1848 to 1914 is significant as it encompasses a period of political upheaval and war in France, which influenced the art of the time [6][10]. - The exhibition reflects the social and political contexts of modernity, with 1848 marking a revolution and 1914 the onset of World War I [6][10]. Group 3: Artistic Themes and Connections - The exhibition aims to surprise audiences familiar with Impressionist artists like Monet and Renoir by introducing them to other significant works and artists [1][10]. - Guégan distinguishes between "modernity" and "modernism," asserting that modernity represents artists' ambitions to depict contemporary life, while modernism is often misinterpreted as a linear progression [9][66]. - The exhibition features notable pairings of artists, such as Manet and Degas, to illustrate their friendships and collaborative spirit within the artistic community of the 19th century [35][40]. Group 4: Lesser-Known Artists - The exhibition also highlights artists like Jérôme and Cabanel, who were once more prominent than the Impressionists but are now less recognized [66]. - Guégan points out the significance of works like Jules Didier's "Portrait of Ulysses Bittan," which reflects the transition of outdoor painting from avant-garde to mainstream acceptance [61][64]. Group 5: Audience Engagement and Reflection - The exhibition seeks to encourage viewers to rethink the meaning of modernity and the relationships between different artistic practices [66][68]. - Guégan hopes that visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of art and its historical context, rather than viewing it as a linear evolution [66][68].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of learning from history to navigate current challenges and uncertainties, particularly in the context of China's modernization over the past 180 years [1][4]. Summary by Sections Historical Context - The "Self-Strengthening Movement" is highlighted as a significant reform in China's history, marking a shift from an agrarian society to an industrial one, but it lacked comprehensive changes in finance, currency, and land [7][8]. - In contrast, Japan's "Meiji Restoration" implemented systemic changes, including constitutional reforms and public education, leading to different outcomes for the two nations [8][10]. Modernization and Modernity - The distinction between modernization (economic and infrastructural development) and modernity (the awakening of individual consciousness) is discussed, indicating that while China has achieved modernization, the issue of modernity remains unresolved [11][12]. - The article argues that true modernization requires modernization of thought, institutions, and material conditions [12][14]. Reform and Economic Development - The article outlines the phases of China's reform since 1978, noting the initial focus on decentralized, incremental reforms and the later shift to centralized, comprehensive reforms [27][30]. - The challenges faced by enterprises today are categorized into three crises: lifecycle crises, industry crises, and market crises, suggesting that these crises can also present opportunities for growth [19][20]. Sino-American Relations - The article discusses the historical context of U.S.-China relations, particularly in light of China's rising economic power and the challenges faced by Chinese companies in the global market due to U.S. actions [33][34]. - It predicts that China will play a significant role in restructuring global manufacturing supply chains and emphasizes the need for continuous reform in response to international dynamics [37]. Educational and Experiential Learning - The "Wu Xiaobo Lecture Hall" is presented as a platform for learning and practical application, combining historical insights with contemporary business strategies [39][43]. - The program includes various courses aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of modern business environments and global challenges [44][46].