Decorated with beautiful and traditional lanterns and festoons for the coming Chinese New Year, China Cultural Centre in Sydney in collaboration with Australian Artists Society presented 2023 Spring Festival Chinese Painting Invitation Exhibition by Famous Artists on 11th January in China Cultural Centre in Sydney. Around 100 guests attended the opening ceremony, including Mr David Van Nunen, President of Australian Watercolour Institute, Mr Peng Weikai, President of Australian Artists Society, Mr. Liu Dong, Deputy Director of China Cultural Centre in Sydney, ten participating Chinese Artists, friends from the local art community, members of the Centre as well as reporters from Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily Online Australia, Southeast Net Australia, Australian Chinese Daily and South World Media.
Mr. Liu Dong said that with thousands years of development, the Chinese painting has a long history and abundant heritages. In recent years, against the background of the fusion between Eastern and Western cultures, the works of the overseas Chinese artists in Australia have presented unprecedented diversity. All these works showcase not only the inheritance of the traditional techniques with Chinese cultural richness, but also the broader artistic realm with various exploration fostered by Australian multicultural atmosphere. He said that in 2023, the Centre will continue to organize on-site and online programme to promote the cultural and tourism exchange and cooperation between China and Australia. He wished that friends from all walks of life in Australia would continue to render support to the develop of the Centre. Finally he extended new year greetings to everyone and hoped everyone would hop over obstacles like a rabbit.
Peng Weikai said that ten participating artists were full of enthusiasm and wielding their brush on paper to welcome Chinese New Year with Chinese paintings of various styles, not only showcasing the extensive and profound culture of Chinese painting but also demonstrating the performance in Chinese painting creation of the overseas Chinese artists in Australia. He expected that the exhibition would further promote cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Australia, strengthen the bond between the overseas Chinese in Australia and their home country, and enhance the Australian people’s understanding about the profound Chinese traditional culture.
Mr. David Van Nunen highly praised this exhibition and provided detailed commentary on each artist’s work. These artworks demonstrate not only the cultural richness of the Chinese ink paintings but also the mutual influence and learning between the Chinese culture and Australian culture. He mentioned that he had visited China many times and formed significant relationship with Chinese art scene friends. He expected in the future to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and bring outstanding Chinese works to Australian audiences.
This exhibition presents 40 excellent artworks created by ten overseas Chinese artists in Australia including Xiuying Chen, Mingcai Sun, Weikai Peng, Chu Gong, Xiaoxian Tao, Xianlai Xu, Aihua Zhang, Xia Chen, Ximei Xu, and Jige Liu.
This exhibition is also a part of Sydney Lunar Festival and included in its publicity activities. The exhibition will last until 24th February.
