Mickey Mouse, one of the most popular and famous animation characters, first appeared in a 1928 animated film titled Steamboat Willie. Walt Disney once said, "I only hope that we never
Several decades later when the jolly, dancing character hit the screen in China, Mickey had already been a global cultural phenomenon. And in the years afterward, it has continued to win the hearts of fans across generations here.
Now they, together with friends, parents and children, have come to Mickey: The True Original & Ever Curious'concluding stop in Beijing. People expressed their love of this character whose influence has gone beyond cultures, as they left comments and drawings on visitors' books: "Although I'm not a fan, I truly feel that Mickey is a legend. It's an adorable character." "Dare to love and be loved! A brave grown-up and also a romantic child." "I like Mickey very much. Do you want to play with me?" …
The exhibition, which ends on Sunday in Beijing's 798 art district, a collaboration between Disney and UCCA Lab, previously toured Shanghai, Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, bringing the much-loved Mickey vividly to the eyes of audiences at home and drawing queues of waiting.
The tour navigates the history of Mickey becoming an icon of popular culture worldwide and representing joy, courage and friendship. Also on show are works by contemporary artists drawing on their thought and fantasies inspired by the personified mouse. Creations by Chinese artists have been added to the different stops to enrich people's experiences.
The tour began in 2018 when Disney mounted the exhibition to celebrate Mickey's 90th anniversary, opening in New York City and traveling to Tokyo. It has offered a chance for people who have watched Mickey animations to share their memories and meanwhile, the contemporary art which reinterpret Mickey in a new context has renewed the cultural meanings of the character.
