Controversy over young fresco art restorer

A fresco painter has stirred up controversy after posting photos of her fresco restorations from Guangyuan Temple online. [File photo/ Weibo]

A young fresco painter has stirred up controversy after posting photos of her fresco restorations from Guangsheng Temple online. On Saturday, Beijing Youth Daily reported the controversy after a number of her Twitter-like Weibo followers accused her of destroying the frescoes rather than restoring them.

A graduate of China's renowned Fudan University, the 25-year-old fresco painter Guo Jia from north China's Shanxi province attracted a number of followers to her Sina Weibo page because of her unique profession along with her resemblance to the South Korean actress, Kim Hee Seon.

As her Weibo account gathered popularity, a number of followers began questioning her profession and even accused her of destroying the frescoes. On Friday, an article appeared online titled, "How a girl who destroys cultural relics became an internet-celebrity". The article attempted to point out the "mistakes" she had made while restoring the frescoes. The fresco painter has made no response to the accusations.

Officials from Guangsheng Temple confirmed that the company responsible for their fresco restorations for the last three years has all relevant certifications.

Beijing Youth Daily cited comments from industry insiders saying that fresco restoration is highly skilled work and any professionals require the correct certifications to be employed in China. In addition, only professional agencies such as cultural heritage authorities can confirm any fresco restoration faults in Guangsheng Temple.