Exhibition promotes contemporary Chinese art in Athens

The exhibition, whose title translates as "Cultural Context," inaugurated on Jan 20 and will run on the Arts Center of Athens until Feb. 20. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]

An exhibition on contemporary Chinese art, inaugurated in Athens on Jan 20, 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.