Chinese art exhibition in Egypt deepens cultural ties

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Cairo is hosting a seven-day Chinese art exhibition that is meant to promote mutual cultural ties between the two nations.

Six artists from the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts showcased their work at the "Art without Borders" exhibition at the famed Gezira Art Center, which opened on Wednesday.

The exhibition, which is co-organized by the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and the Chinese Culture Center in Cairo, has attracted dozens of Egyptian visitors who showed admiration of the Chinese art.

An Egyptian visits the "Art without Borders" exhibition at the Gezira Art Center in Cairo, Egypt, August 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"The exhibition is really marvelous. Today I saw the diversity of arts in China with different artistic trends," Omar Sameh, a civil engineer from Cairo, told Xinhua.

Sahem said that it is important for cultures to meet at some point, adding that the cultural exchange between Egypt and China is beneficial for both sides.

"It is my first time to see Chinese artworks in real life. Such an exhibition enabled me to get closer to Chinese arts and culture," he said.

The 80 artworks on show include traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, print works, and sculptures.

Despite the modern forms and concepts of the works, they safeguarded the unique Chinese cultural flair.

Jiang Tieli, head of the sculpture department at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, said all the artworks are made by teachers and graduate students, adding that they did not bring any large sculptures because of transportation restrictions.

Egyptians visit the "Art without Borders" exhibition at the Gezira Art Center in Cairo, Egypt, August 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"The six teachers come from different departments and are experts in different types of paintings," he pointed out.

Jiang said that art transcends cultures as it is a shared way of communication between human beings.

"In a big way, communication between different cultures is a must, for artists, constant participation in various exhibitions will promote artistic creation. They find the positioning of their own creation," he said.

After upgrading the relations between China and Egypt to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, cultural exchange has been at its peak as artists, cultural and musical delegations have paid mutual frequent visits.

Through such cultural moves, both countries want to boost friendly ties against the background of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Media workers report on the "Art without Borders" exhibition at the Gezira Art Center in Cairo, Egypt, August 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"Today's exhibition is very important for the cultural exchange between the two nations," Chinese Cultural Counselor to Egypt, Shi Yuewen, told Xinhua, adding that "the recent years witnessed an unprecedented cultural exchange between Egypt and China in many fields."

However, he said few Chinese art works exhibitions were held in Egypt as the two countries focused more on musical and cultural domains.

"Through this exhibition, we provide a chance to the Egyptian people to get closer to the Chinese fine art," he said, adding that "I believe that any relationship between two nations is based on mutual exchange, with the cultural exchange on top."

The counselor expressed appreciation to the Egyptian visitors who came in big numbers to have a close look at the Chinese arts, expressing hope that the Chinese people could soon visit an Egyptian art exhibition in China.

(Cover Photo: An Egyptian visits the "Art without Borders" exhibition at the Gezira Art Center in Cairo, Egypt, August 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency