Old Man and Boy Looking at the Sky One leaf from an album of nine leaves; ink and light colors on paper

Editor: This is Qian Huian's "Old Man and Boy Looking at the Sky." It's very peaceful. What do you see in this piece, beyond the obvious figures? Curator: The upward gaze. It’s a powerful symbol, isn't it? Across cultures, looking skyward represents hope, contemplation, and connection to something larger than oneself. This piece particularly evokes the continuity of generations, looking to the future together. Editor: I hadn't thought about the generational aspect so directly. Curator: Notice the boy's gesture. He points, questioning, while the man observes silently. It speaks to the transmission of knowledge and the different ways we perceive the world at different stages of life. What do you make of that? Editor: I see now how the simple act of looking becomes a profound symbol of learning and shared experience. Curator: Indeed. A reminder of our shared humanity across time.