An exhibition exploring the creative possibilities of Chinese characters has opened in Guangzhou, bringing a Hong Kong-curated showcase of calligraphy, design and contemporary art to audiences in the Greater Bay Area.

"By the People 2: Creative Chinese Characters", presented by the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) and the Guangdong Museum of Art, is being held at the Baietan Greater Bay Area Art Center from September 23 to December 15 as part of the Chinese Culture Festival 2026.

Guest-curated by renowned Hong Kong designer Freeman Lau, the exhibition takes a contemporary Hong Kong perspective on the stories and visual forms of Chinese characters, exploring their presence in art, design, daily life and popular culture.

The exhibition builds on its successful 2022-23 run at the HKMoA, which attracted more than 440,000 visitors. Its Guangzhou edition features about 90 sets of works, including 16 new additions, spanning different eras and media and highlighting the connections between traditional calligraphy, design and contemporary art.