Pakistan and China Art Exhibition of Photographs, Calligraphy, and Paintings celebrate the friendly relations of two countries and 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China
A group of Pakistani and Chinese explore the deep-rooted Pakistan and China friendship in their mesmerizing artworks at an exhibition titled ‘Collective Vision – China in the eyes of Pakistani Artists’.
A large number of art lovers attended the exhibition which opened at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on 18 Oct. 2016.
The art exhibition, showcasing art works of 10 Chinese and eight Pakistani artists, was initiated by the Embassy of China in Pakistan to promote and support cooperation in the field of art and culture.
The 10-day joint exhibition comprises 56 paintings and 150 photographs, calligraphy, paintings, narrating the friendship, love and respect shared by Pakistani and Chinese people.
The exhibition is part of the celebrations of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Directorate of Electronic Media and Publication (DEMP), the Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage.
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi, the Ambassador of China to Pakistan, Sun Weidong, Federal Minister for Information Pervez Rashid, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Prof. Dr Ahsan Iqbal, the Director General PNCA, Jamal Shah, the Director General of DEMP, Raja Iftikhar graced the occasion.
Mr. Tariq Fatemi said that the economy and culture of Pakistan and China will continue to prosper due to joint ventures in diverse fields. He said completion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project will open new avenues of prosperity and development in Pakistan and the region.
China has rich culture history and colorful traditional life, said DG PNCA Jamal Shah. “The artworks reflect the beauty of a nation and the Chinese people have a special aesthetic sense which they reflect in their daily life.” He hoped further creative efforts in the field of arts will boost collaboration among two friendly neighbors.
Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid paid rich tributes to Chinese artists for their love and association with Pakistan that was truly reflected in their paintings.
The chief guests later distributed certificates among the Chinese and Pakistani artists participating in the exhibition.
Art – a tool of intercultural understanding
Speaking on the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that the exhibition was organised in connection with the 67th anniversary of the Founding of the Peoples Republic of China.
“Art is a universal language as the artists bridge the differences between cultures and civilizations” the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador said Pakistan and China were all weather friends and their relations would further boost with the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Referring to a poem of Allama Iqbal, he said that the great philosopher poet had envisioned the development of China and Asia, more than 80 years ago.
Referring the following stanza by Allama Iqbal, he said that the great philosopher poet had envisioned the development of China and Asia, more than 80 years ago.
Gara’n Khawab Cheeni Sambalnay Lagay
Himalaya Kay Chashmay Ubalnay Lagay
Translation:
(China awakes from a slumber deep
Mount Himalaya has given forth springs of water)
Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong said that the paintings jointly produced by the Chinese and Pakistani artists represented their heart-warming sentiments for the people of two countries and their growing socio-economic partnership. This friendship, he said, was becoming “higher, deeper and sweeter” to meet the common aspirations of their people.
Art Exhibition to benefit Girls Education in Pakistan
One of the most heartening feature of the exhibition is that 56 pieces of art will be put on auction and proceeds will support girl’s education in Pakistan, Chinese Ambassador informed.
Madame Bao Jiqing, wife of Chinese ambassador selected the paintings that will be put on auction. There will be silent auction for the artwork and its proceedings will go towards the philanthropic cause of girls’ education in the country less-developed and remote regions.
Pakistani and Chinese share their love for each other at the Exhibition
The exhibition ‘Collective Vision – China in the eyes of Pakistani Artists’ displayed by Mughees Riaz, R.M.Naeem, Abdul Jabbar Gul, Zahid, Anjum Ayub, Najamul Hassan Kazmi, Asadur Rehman and Farrukh Shahab from Pakistan.
“My trip to China felt like balm for the soul and it was the most interesting journey ever. From the Great Wall to the many temples to the terracotta warriors to the Buddhist shrines and old cities, China’s long history of contributions in culture, philosophy, architecture and science is mesmerizing” said Zahid ul Haq, a Pakistani artist.
Zahid was part of a 12-member delegation of Pakistani artists who visited China recently and expressed their love for China, its people and its culture in their paintings. The Pakistani artists visited Chinese cities of Urumqi, Xi’an, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tongli and Beijing in December 2015.
“Visiting China was a fascinating experience for me. The people, culture and landscapes surpassed my expectations. I brought back many beautiful memories which I have expressed through my paintings” remarked Farrukh Shahan, an artist from Karachi.
Mughees Riaz, an artist who hails from the historic city of Lahore, has depicted beauty of Lake in Hangzhou and the Great Wall of China in his paintings. “Being a landscape artist I thoroughly enjoyed the stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in China. Their emphasis on culture and art is a solid proof that Chinese people have high respect for culture and tradition” Mughees shared.
The exhibition included art pieces by these Chinese artists: He Dong an, Zhang Jinlian, Yang Baomo, Sun Jianhua, Yan Fuchu, Wang Jianing, Li Zhe, Wang Qi, Yuan Youqi and Liu Huilong. Some of the Chinese artists attended the exhibition in Islamabad and were pleased to discuss their works with Pakistani art aficionados.
A couple of the Chinese artworks showcased the picturesque scenery of Hunan Province, their traditions and their socio-culture life.
The Chinese calligraphy is divided in eight periods and different dynasties like Han Dynasty, Pre Qin and Qin Dynasties and Ming, depicting varied styles. Earlier, some of the artists did on the spot painting to offer the audience a chance to enjoy the special charm of Chinese calligraphy and paintings.