The "Mask, Labyrinth, or Masters of Play—Immersive Nuo Mask Art Exhibition" opened at the Hunan Art Museum on June 24, featuring more than 200 Nuo masks from across the country.

Nuo is a cultural phenomenon that blends religion, folklore, and art. Nuo culture primarily encompasses Nuo customs, rituals, opera, dance, and masks, all aimed at warding off misfortune and invoking blessings. Hunan Province boasts rich Nuo cultural heritage, much of which retains a relatively primitive form. These traditions are predominantly preserved in remote mountainous villages in southwestern, northwestern, western, and central parts of Hunan.

The exhibition is divided into four thematic sections—"Structuralism of Nuo," "Masks for Celebration," "Psychoanalysis of Nuo: 'Self' and 'Other'," and "Nuo Nurtures All Things." Key exhibits cover an array of Nuo masks from Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hengyang and Chenzhou cities, and Guizhou Province. With the aid of an exhibition guide, visitors can participate in five interactive games to explore the mystical allure of southern Nuo culture with Hunan at its core.

Tips:
Immersive Nuo Mask Art Exhibition
Duration: June 24 – September 15, 2025
Venue: Hunan Art Museum (No. 2, Jinjiang Road, Yuelu District, Changsha)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday; 9:00-17:00; closed on Mondays

This article is from Hunan Provincial Government. www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: hunantoday