Exhibition celebrates century of Sino-French cultural ‘talk’

Artworks and cultural relics from China and France have been unveiled as part of a "France-China: 100 Years of Dialogue" exhibition at Yishu 8 House for the Arts. The exhibition was jointly launched by Jean-Paul Desroches, director of the Guimet Museum of Asian Art in Paris, and Duanmu Mei, chairman of the China-France History Research Society.

Based in the former building of the Sino-French University of Beijing, the exhibition features canvas and ink paintings and relics that symbolize the past century of both countries' cultural exchanges.

Exhibits include five paintings by artists Fan Zeng, Zhu Dequn and Xie Lei - all of whom have lived or studied in France. Desroches said the experience of being exposed to two different cultural and aesthetic influences had shaped the artists' views. "The two paintings by Zhu Dequn were created in the 1960s during his early years in France. We can easily find traces of Western artistic values in them," said Desroches.

"China represents my roots, while France represents my love. My artworks reflect the moment my love embraced my roots," said Xie.

Xue Yunda, co-founder of Yishu 8, said that the exhibition is part of the gallery's wider cooperation in cultural exchange.

China and France have a long history of cultural collaboration, especially in art. At the beginning of 20th century, Chinese contemporary artists including Pan Yuliang, Xu Beihong and Lin Fengmian visited France to promote Chinese art.

They returned to China with a firm understanding of Western artistic concepts, and shared this knowledge after spearheading the country's modern Chinese art education system.

Later, artists including Zhu and Zhao Wuji returned to France and showcased their artworks to new French audiences keen to learn more about Chinese art.

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former French Prime Minister and Vice President of the French Senate, said culture lies at the foundation of the unique relations China shares with France. "Chinese and French artists are driven by dreams, and the depth of both our nations' souls have always been best expressed through art," said Raffarin.

When: Until April 26

Where: Yishu 8 House for the Arts, 20 Donghuangchenggen Beijie, Dongcheng district

Admission: Free

Contact: 6581-9058