A dozen of intense luminous gazes of Chinese children captivate Athenians since Tuesday at an art exhibition in Athens.

Lena Kaziani's paintings stamp with eloquence the optimism and the hope of a China emerging strong through difficulties, connecting two distant yet so close countries and people, Chinese and Greeks.

That was the artist's target. It's no coincidence the exhibition of a series of mostly oil canvas with warm colors is titled "Remotely Familiar."

The talented Greek painter who has been honored by Greece's Ministry of Culture 19 years ago for her work as a graduate of Athens Fine Arts School, has never visited China until today.

But she was always interested in the amazing Chinese civilization, as she stressed to Xinhua.

Kaziani was inspired by photo albums and books she received as gifts from friends who have been to China and used only one child as a model.

"I was so attracted to the serene gazes on innocent children's faces. So, I traveled to China using my imagination, creating my own world," said the artist who hopes she'll have a chance to see China's future, its kids, on the spot.

Kaziani's exhibition runs to January 5, 2010 at Athinais Art Hall, attracting Greeks and foreign visitors alike at the impressive art center.

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2009)