Put on a VR headset, and the world of light and shadow by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio unfolds in breathtaking detail. On January 16, the "From Light into Darkness: Experiencing CARAVAGGIO with Virtual Reality" exhibition, jointly organized by the Italian Consulate General in Guangzhou and the Guangzhou Library, opened to the public. Italian representatives noted in an interview that this immersive experience not only "lets people directly step into that era" but also opens up new possibilities for cultural heritage preservation and international exchange through digital technology.

Centered around an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, the exhibition allows visitors to "walk into" scenes from Caravaggio's masterpieces such as The Calling of Saint Matthew and The Cardsharps, witnessing the dramatic moments and striking chiaroscuro of his paintings firsthand. Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou, Mr. Valerio De Parolis, told reporters, "When you admire a painting in a museum, you need to use a lot of imagination. This VR exhibition recreates the atmosphere of that era—you are directly 'immersed' in that history, and it seems to require less imagination."

When modern high-tech meets ancient art, could it bring new inspiration to the preservation of historical and cultural heritage in Guangzhou and Italy? Mr. Valerio De Parolis affirmed the positive role of technology. "This technology can certainly encourage countries to protect their cultural heritage." For works that are rarely seen even in Italy, VR technology breaks down geographical barriers. He emphasized, "Even thousands of miles away, people can appreciate these otherwise inaccessible masterpieces in the comfort of their own cities."

This exhibition represents an innovative collaboration between Guangzhou and Italy in the "technology + culture" field. Regarding future cooperation between Guangzhou and Italian cities such as Rome, Naples, and Bari, Mr. Valerio De Parolis believes that urban development must integrate the past, present, and future. "I think one of the biggest areas of opportunity is the preservation of cultural and urban heritage," he noted, adding that this should be an area for both sides to encourage deeper collaboration. Meanwhile, investment and economic cooperation in high-tech fields will also play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The exhibition will be held at the Multiculture Library on the 8th floor of the North Tower of Guangzhou Library through February 6. It will be accompanied by events such as themed documentary screenings and special book displays. Wu Cuihong, Director of Guangzhou Library, expressed hope that these activities would promote a shift from traditional "desktop reading" to "scenario-based exploration" and, through VR technology, enable the public to embark on a broader journey of reading.

Reporter: Liang Yiling
Video: Liang Yiling
Editor: Liang Yiling