Exhibition promotes contemporary Chinese art in Athens

An exhibition on contemporary Chinese art, inaugurated Wednesday evening here, is showcasing work by some of the finest artists of the country and reflecting the cultural, economic, social and political developments of China combined with a strong sense of tradition and memory.

The exhibition is being held under the auspices of the Chinese Ministry of Culture, with the collaboration of the Municipality of Athens, the Association of Chinese Art and Entertainment, and the Embassy of China in Greece.

The exhibition, whose title translates as "Cultural Context," will run on the Arts Center of Athens until Feb. 20. Featured artists include Ding Yi, Shang Yang, Jiang Ji'an, Wang Gang, Qiu Zhijie, Zhang Chun Da Bao, Tan Ping, Liang Quan, Li Lei and Lu De'an.

In his speech during the inauguration Wednesday evening, China's ambassador to Greece, Zou Xiaoli, hailed the contemporary Chinese art scene as a fertile field of creativity and ideas, which in recent years has attracted the interest of the West.

"The rapid growth and radical changes taking place in China today are a source of inspiration for Chinese artists. Chinese artists investigate the relations between history, culture, and contemporary art in order to demonstrate a distinctly Chinese style in their works. Creatively designed art may prove to be a significant pathway towards creative growth," Zou said.

The ambassador also drew parallels between the long and rich histories of China and Greece. "Intercultural exchanges between China and Greece can overcome any geographical and temporal limitations, and can have a profound influence on a global level," he added.

Zou shared his belief that these intercultural exchanges will strengthen commercial partnerships and investments between the two countries, mentioning the possibility of various future collaborations between China and Greece, including projects as diverse as films, museums, a theme park, records, and translation and publication of books.

In his presentation of the exhibition, curator Sun Lei drew emphasis on the strongly traditional Chinese quality of the exhibition. "This exhibition demonstrates the power of cultural origins and ties," he said, explaining that the title of the exhibition partly refers to the history of the Chinese logograms. Artists have used only the language of painting and resorted to Chinese tradition of recent experience.

The celebrated artist Ding Yi, who traveled to Athens from China for the occasion, also stressed that the intercultural exchange features prominently in this exhibition. "I am so glad to present my work here. I think art is a very important way of communication between countries, in a financial or cultural respect. I think this exhibition is like a bridge between China and Greece," the artist told Xinhua.

Christos Tentomas, president of Athens' Organization of Culture, Sports and Youth, hailed the exhibition as a great honor for Greece.

"Through art, we Greeks will come closer to the Chinese tradition. Through art, we will grasp the concepts that this tradition encompasses," he said, expressing his hope that the exhibition will be warmly embraced by Athenians and foreign visitors alike.

"I vow to continue our ongoing collaboration and build a solid ground of friendship and solidarity across the two nations. Culture and art can bring all peoples closer together. This is significant, especially in the times we live in," Tentomas said.

The current exhibition comes after the Greece and China established their comprehensive strategic partnership, which have seen the two countries progressively strengthening their commercial and cultural ties, among others. Endit