An art exhibition celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy has helped foster a stronger cultural and people-to-people connection between the two countries, according to the guests.
The two-week art exhibition, which opened on Wednesday at the prestigious National Academy of Lincei in Rome, is co-hosted by the China Media Group (CMG), the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Museum of Civilizations, the Rome University of Fine Arts, the Italian Football Federation, and the Regional Council of Lazio.
The exhibition showcases more than 200 selected works by over 100 renowned Chinese contemporary calligraphers, painters, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and master artisans. It also includes more than 100 treasured Italian artworks from the Museum of Civilizations in Rome.
The exhibits highlight both the uniqueness and shared elements of the two cultures, showcasing Chinese traditional crafts such as painting and calligraphy, cloisonne, bamboo carving, embroidery, Yunjin, a traditional Chinese silk brocade, as well as jade carving and paper-cuttings, alongside Italian traditional costumes, ceramics, bronzeware and other cultural relics.
The art exhibition serves as a valuable testament to the cultural ties between the two countries, vividly showcasing the vitality of traditional skills in the contemporary era, according to the guests.
"I love Chinese art very much, especially the extraordinary ceramics, which reminds me of Italian craftsmanship and painting skills. The way history is conveyed through Chinese painting -- this truly strikes me," said Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation.
"We have been working with the CMG for over five years now and it has been a very positive and effective collaboration, rich in content and high in culture level. China's productions, including sculptures, paintings and fabrics are exquisite and represent cultural creations. We are talking about millennia of culture and millennia of craftsmanship," said Giovanni Sciscione, President of the Netweek Group.
"What we can see in this exhibition is the use of traditional techniques used to create contemporary art. There are no innovative technological tools involved," said Umberto Croppi, Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.
The guests also emphasized the strong connection between the two countries, extending beyond the cultural sector into business as well.
"This exhibition is precisely the testament to how the two cultures meet. Despite the differences in culture and language between the West and East, there is a very strong connection and communication," said Maria Novella Rossi, an Italian journalist and sinologist.
"Italian consumers are increasingly recognizing and trusting Chinese brands, which exemplifies the positive relationship between China and Italy," said Pan Jiatao, Deputy General Manager of Hisense Italy.
The exhibition is set to remain open to the public at the National Academy of Lincei until July 9.
Founded in 1603 and located in the historic center of Rome, the Academy is one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious research institutions. Often referred to as the "cradle of modern science," it serves not only as one of Italy's highest academic authorities but also as a key scientific and cultural advisory body to the President of Italy.
Rome art exhibition marking China-Italy diplomatic ties helps foster stronger connection: guests
