Brussels, Belgium – September 9, 2024
The Colorful Maritime Shanghai School Art Week has officially opened in Brussels, Belgium, as part of the Charming Shanghai city image promotion activities. The event, which kicked off on September 8, is organized under the guidance of the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and the Shanghai Cultural and Tourism Bureau, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. The Brussels Chinese Cultural Center, Shanghai Modern Service Industry Federation, and Shanghai Wu Changshuo Art Research Association are the main sponsors of the event.
A Showcase of Contemporary Shanghai Art
The art week features the Colorful Maritime – Invitation Exhibition of Contemporary Shanghai School Calligraphy and Painting Masters, which opened concurrently with the event. The exhibition highlights the unique charm of the Shanghai School, showcasing over 60 new works by nine contemporary Shanghai artists. These pieces emphasize the artistic heritage of the Shanghai School, known for its elegant brushwork and innovative spirit, with a focus on Shanghai School ink and the legacy of Wu Changshuo.
The exhibition venue buzzed with excitement as guests marveled at the artistic creations. The opening ceremony included a screening of a new promotional video for Shanghai, and books such as Meet in Shanghai drew the attention of many attendees. Female entrepreneurs from Baoshan District in Shanghai, dressed in traditional Shanghai-style cheongsam, added to the cultural flair, showcasing the elegance of Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage.
Cultural Exchange and Friendship
The event aims to enhance cultural exchanges between China and Belgium, as well as Europe, by showcasing the distinctive Shanghai School art. It also serves to tell Chinese stories and promote the image of Shanghai as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Latifa Ebert, a Brussels Region议员, praised the event for offering a unique perspective on Shanghai and for fostering friendship between the two countries.
Insightful Lectures and Cultural Discussions
As part of the art week, a series of cultural lectures titled The Charm of Chinese Characters and Another Way of Observing Nature – Talking about Chinese Landscape Painting were held at the Brussels Chinese Cultural Center.
The lecture on The Charm of Chinese Characters was delivered by Zhu Xiaodong, the former curator of the Han Tianheng Art Museum. He began with ancient oracle bone inscriptions and used examples from the Six Categories of Characters to illustrate the wisdom and unique charm of Chinese characters.
Chen Xiang, the vice chairman of the Shanghai Artists Association and the former curator of the China Art Museum (Shanghai Art Museum), delivered a lecture on Another Way of Observing Nature – Talking about Chinese Landscape Painting. He compared Western landscape painting with Chinese landscape painting, explaining the different ways they represent the relationship between humans and nature. Chen also discussed the cultural connotations and spiritual thoughts embedded in Chinese landscape painting, using the application of AI in art appreciation as a modern parallel.
A Resounding Success
The lectures attracted over 130 local Belgian attendees, with the venue nearly filled to capacity. Local audiences expressed that the lectures provided them with a new understanding of Chinese characters and calligraphy, allowing them to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
The event also added a festive touch to the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday, and contributed to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s Together at the End of the World·Mid-Autumn Festival global activities.
Promoting Cultural Understanding
Commenting on the art week, Gao Wei, the cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, highlighted Shanghai’s open, innovative, and inclusive urban character. He expressed hope that the Shanghai School culture presented during the event would enhance friendship and understanding between China and Belgium, as well as promote mutual learning and integration among different cultures.
The Colorful Maritime Shanghai School Art Week is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of cultural heritage and a bridge for fostering deeper connections between China and Belgium. As the event continues to unfold, it promises to leave a lasting impression on all who participate.
Editor’s Note: This article was prepared by journalists with extensive experience at leading media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. It is a testament to the rich cultural exchange between China and Belgium.
Responsible Editor: Huang Song
Photo Editor: Zhang Ying
Proofreader: Shi Yun
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