Feature: Int'l painting exhibition evokes WWII reflection, aspiration for peace

A renowned quote from philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson says that peace can not be achieved by violence, it can only be achieved through understanding.

An international painting exhibition held at the European Parliament Tuesday evening provided an opportunity for people to review history and showcase the will and aspiration for peace, as this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the World War II.

The exhibition, with the theme of "who can give us peace", collected over 100 pieces of fine works of art by 65 artists from about 30 countries.

In the paintings, the smoke of battle left by fighters unveiled people's fear in the war; the clustered bodies of the Chinese people killed by Japanese soldiers demonstrated the terror of the Nanjing Massacre; and the innocence of lovely boys in Auschwitz Concentration Camp made people who attended the exhibition feel deeply sad.

"Focusing on the theme of peace, these pieces of work of fine arts unfolding before us display with overwhelming passion and visual impact the horrendous atrocities of war of aggression committed by fascists and Japanese militarists, the solemn and heroic epic of justice over evil and peace over war, the staunchness and nobility of all those who fought and sacrificed their lives for peace, dignity and freedom," said Ambassador Yang Yanyi, head of the Mission of China to the European Union.

"The past 70 years have witnessed tremendous progress in the cause of advancing world peace and development. Yet, the vision enshrined in the UN Charter has not been fully realized. There are still attempts to deny aggression, negate history, challenge international justice and defy human conscience. The world is far from being a tranquil place," Yang said, calling on people to strive to pursue and safeguard peace.

Russian meritorious artist Kudrevayi Mikhail, who participated in the exhibition with a painting showing soldiers feeding a baby with water at the ruins of war, said that people who were killed in war did not die in vain.

"They had done everything for our peaceful life. Their feat is in our hearts. I want to tell by my art-no war! I hope for a peaceful future for young generation," he said.

He added that art cannot solve the political and economic problems, but it can touch the human soul, to make it more sensitive and kind.

French artist Bernard Rebatet, who heard about the WWII stories from his parents, said he had been living for many years in Reunion, a French island located in the Indian Ocean. And in this island, all cultures are presented and mingled with harmony.

"My art transcribes this fusion of colors, minds and cultures, and is fed with this harmony that exists in Reunion. I am proud to share with you all this sensitivity in the heart of this event connecting people on the universal theme of peace," said the artist.

The exhibition was hosted by the Mission of China to the European Union, the European Parliament, the International Union of Artists for Peace, and China International Culture Association. Endit