Exhibition displays diversity of contemporary German arts

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To mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Germany, a major art exhibition entitled "Deutschland 8 – German Art in China" opened in Beijing on Sunday, giving the Chinese audiences a unique opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of Germany through the country's artistic offerings.

The opening ceremony of "Deutschland 8" was held Sunday afternoon at Beijing's Imperial Ancestral Temple Art Museum. Among those present were German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang.

"This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany. I'm glad to see a German art exhibition here in Beijing, I believe it will help deepen ties between China and Germany," said Luo.

A piece of artistic work on display at the exhibition. /CGTN Photo

The "Deutschland 8 – German Art in China" exhibition showcases nearly 320 works by German artists since the 1950s. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photography and video art will be on display at eight different art museums across Beijing.

The Imperial Ancestral Temple Art Museum is the heart of the eight-venue exhibition. The section of "Deutschland 8" hosted there is called "Traces of Memory: Masterworks of Contemporary German Painting."

"This show presents German art since 1945. It is a mirror of what happened in Germany in that period," said Professor Walter Smerling, co-curator of Deutschland 8.

"This is the largest German exhibition ever held in China, and it brings contemporary German art closer to Chinese people," said Fan Di'an, also a co-curator of the exhibition.

A piece of artistic work on display at the exhibition. /CGTN Photo

The exhibition is sponsored by China's Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Foundation for Art and Culture in Germany.

Preparation for the exhibition took nearly two years and the pieces on display were borrowed from a number of German museums, galleries and individuals.

The German-themed art show is in response to the successful exhibition, "China 8 - Contemporary Art from China," which was held in eight German cities and nine museums in 2015.

A piece of artistic work on display at the exhibition. /CGTN Photo‍

Professor Walter Smerling said it represents the continuation of the intercultural dialogue between the two countries.

"Art brings together those who would not come together without art. Art is an instrument of dialogue...The audience and public are talking about the art of the two countries. That's a fantastic sign for freedom and dialogue," said Smerling.

A forum will also be held for Chinese and German scholars and artists to discuss contemporary art development.

The "Deutschland 8" exhibition will last until October 31.

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