In May 2025, the “Silk Reverie: M Culture Creative Journey”, co-hosted by Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality and the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, officially kicked off at the MGM Reserve Zhuhai. Centered on Dunhuang culture, the program reinterprets the millennia-old Silk Road civilization through a modern artistic lens, with the aim of revitalizing traditional Chinese culture and fostering international cultural exchange. This is already the third consecutive year that MGM carried out the “M Culture” cultural promotional initiative in the Chinese mainland. This event has also received special support from the Dunhuang Academy, the Guangdong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the Gansu People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.
After the launch ceremony, Iris Scott, the M Culture Artist of the Year 2025, along with her team, made their way to Gansu. There, they fully immersed themselves in the art of the Dunhuang caves and the rich heritage of the ancient Silk Road. This profound and immersive experience served as a wellspring of inspiration for Iris. Drawing on these unique insights, she crafted a brand-new masterpiece that truly encapsulates the enduring allure of Dunhuang.
As this incredible cultural journey came to an end, we witnessed a dialogue that transcended both time and space. To preserve these precious memories and share this unique encounter, we used five videos to record every detail, which serve as a lasting testament to this unforgettable conversation and the power of art that has endured through time.
In Silk Road, Iris set out on her journey, haunted by the questions, “What will inspire me? What will I paint?” This marked the beginning of her exploration into the infinite intersections between Eastern and Western civilizations.
In East, Iris reached Zhuhai, a pivotal node of the Maritime Silk Road. The place is a remarkabel blend where tradition seemlessly interwines with modernity, and Lingnan culture gracefully converges with contemporary design. Through exchanges and reflections, Iris learnt the re-energized dynamism of Chinese culture in the modern age.
In Dunhuang, the camera lens zeroed in on the artistic wonder of the Mogao Caves. As Iris stood in front of the age-old murals and the ethereal Feitian, she mused, “Everyone must see Mogao. I’m nourished. I’m changed. I’m definitely inspired.”
In Reverie, Iris held a Chinese brush in her hand for the very first time. She skillfully combined natural mineral pigments with her distinctive finger - painting technique. Through this harmonious fusion, she bridged the gap between ancient colors and modern artistry, breathing new life into the millennium - old inspiration.
The last episode Mirage marked the completion of Mogao Mirage. As the first light of dawn gently kissed the desert expanse, Iris revealed her masterpiece and tenderly declared, “I am taking Mogao home to America in my heart.” In that moment, past and future intertwined, and culture and art resonated as one.
Art knows no boundaries, and civilization thrives through exchange. As Iris noted during her journey, “This is the masterpiece we all made together.” Her Mogao Mirage not only embodies her creative inspiration and personal journey but also carries a shared vision of beauty for all humankind.
Iris Scott, an artist from New York, USA, transcends the barrier between paint and canvas through her revolutionary finger-painting technique. Dipping her fingers directly into oil paints, she layers pigments onto the canvas to create dynamic textures and a unique sense of movement. This tactile approach not only imbues her works with vitality but also achieves a harmonious fusion between medium and touch, described as "feeling the breath of colors" – an innovation that has earned her the title of "Fingertip Impressionist." Represented by Filo Sofi Arts, Scott gained significant recognition through her 2019 solo exhibition Ritual in Pairing in Chelsea, which received critical acclaim from Jerry Saltz and was featured in prominent publications including New York Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, and Artnet.
