Core Perspective - The exhibition "Thoughts by the Neva River: A Special Exhibition of Repin's Art" at the National Museum of China showcases the works of the renowned Russian painter Ilya Repin, including sketches and masterpieces, amidst the backdrop of the "China-Russia Cultural Year" [2][5] Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition aims to present Repin's artistic journey through a cross-cultural lens, addressing the challenges of cultural barriers and the dual perspectives of the Russian artist and the Chinese audience [2][3] - Key artworks such as "Sartak," "How Free!" and "The Wedding of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna" will conclude their display on November 16, generating significant public interest [2] Group 2: Narrative Structure - The exhibition's narrative is structured into four thematic acts: "Riverboat Songs: The Beginning of the Artistic Journey," "Vast Land: The Quest for Realism," "Epic of the Times: The Glory of National Spirit," and "Twilight Contemplation: The Free Realm of Old Age," enhancing emotional engagement [3][4] - Each section is accompanied by an introduction that highlights key aspects of Repin's art and stylistic transitions, guiding the audience into his artistic world [3] Group 3: Emotional Resonance - The exhibition incorporates first-person narratives through micro-documentaries based on Repin's memoirs, utilizing AI technology to animate "Barge Haulers on the Volga," allowing Repin to narrate his artistic journey [3] - Music from contemporaneous composers like Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky is integrated into the exhibition, creating an auditory palette that helps the audience understand the rhythm and emotions of the paintings [3] Group 4: Spatial Design - The spatial design employs "color geography" to narrate art, with different color schemes representing various thematic units, such as cold blue for the river and deep green for the land [4] - The exhibition features eight "creation groups" juxtaposing sketches, color drafts, and oil paintings to reveal the process behind the masterpieces, inviting the audience to engage actively [4] Group 5: Interactive Elements - An interactive area titled "Repin's Circle of Friends" allows visitors to engage with digital conversations among Repin and his contemporaries, using familiar media to attract younger audiences [4] - The exhibition catalog is bilingual, including contributions from both Russian and Chinese scholars, aiming to establish a dialogue through terminology translation and cultural interpretation [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Reflections by the Neva River: The Art of Repin" is the first large-scale presentation of Repin's art in China, showcasing significant works and providing a comprehensive overview of his artistic career [2][4]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition features 92 oil paintings and sketches, organized into four main sections: "Riverboat Song: The Beginning of the Artistic Journey," "Vast Land: The Quest for Realism," "Epic of the Times: The Brilliance of National Spirit," and "Twilight Reflections: The Free Realm of Old Age" [2]. - Notable works include "The Religious Procession in Kursk Province," which is nearly 4 meters wide, depicting the collective fate and experiences of the Russian people [2]. - The exhibition includes eight important groups of Repin's works, illustrating the creative process from field sketches to completed masterpieces, such as the group related to "Barge Haulers on the Volga" [2]. Group 2: Interactive and Educational Aspects - The exhibition will feature portraits of contemporary figures created by Repin, highlighting the power and charm embedded in these works [3]. - An interactive section will invite visitors to engage with the artist's "circle of friends," showcasing the interplay between painting, literature, and music [3]. Group 3: Exhibition Details - The exhibition is co-hosted by the National Museum of China and the Tretyakov Gallery in Russia, with support from the Russian State Museum [4]. - It will run until January 11, 2026 [5].