Young Sri Lankan artists exhibition opens in Beijing

Ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Insight of China - Exhibition of Young Sri Lankan Artists [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

As part of the Insight of China series, an exhibition showcasing young Sri Lankan artists was launched at the Capital Library of China on July 8. It was a great exchange between the two countries' artists and an event designed to develop friendships between the two countries' people.

Five Sri Lankan artists were invited to visit China and paint what they saw during their visits. They set off from Lanzhou, passed Zhangye, Jiuquan and arrived in Dunhuang in Gansu province, from June 26 to July 3. Having drawn inspiration from magnificent natural scenery and diverse culture along the ancient Silk Road, they worked their wonders at a studio in Songzhuang, Beijing. Their works showcased the creators' zeal and individuality, Chinese characteristics and the level of modern art in Sri Lanka.

Wang Chen, assistant director of the Ministry of Culture’s Bureau for External Cultural Relations, party secretary of China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) Li Jinsheng and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Karunasena Kodituwakku, all attended the inauguration. They then admired the exhibition.

 A painting on display. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Wang Chen noted that "Insight of China has been held annually since 2012, to showcase young artists' works. Sri Lanka took the baton as a South Asian country this year, echoing the Belt and Road Initiative. We will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sri Lanka relations next year, hoping our exchange step up a notch."

China and Sri Lanka have shared a long history. It was as early as AD 410 when the eminent Chinese monk Faxian came to Sri Lanka to study Buddhism. Sri Lanka was also a strategic stronghold along the Maritime Silk Road and Zheng He's voyages. For now, Sri Lanka followed the footsteps of Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Nepal to engage in the exhibition, as mentioned in Li Jinsheng's speech.

Karunasena Kodituwakku believed the exhibition would consolidate bilateral ties and called for more similar events.