Chinese Contemporary Art Display Opens at Frankfurt Book Fair

A Contemporary Chinese Art Exhibition kicked off Monday night in Frankfurt, Germany, as one of the most important activities of the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair. The exhibition showcases the work of six famous contemporary Chinese artists, with the theme of "resurrection of tradition" from various angles.

Xu Weiyi has more.

Reporter:

Inside the halls of Frankfurt Basis Space hang more than 30 pieces of Chinese art by Feng Dazhong, Shang Yang, Tian Li, Chen Ping and Cai Zhisong, spreading the spirit of Chinese aesthetics and displaying the theme "tradition is the driving force for artistic creativity."

Xu Juan, who planned the event, says that all the displayed works were carefully selected to express Chinese culture to visitors from all over the world.

"There is a very good aspect in contemporary Chinese art and the Chinese culture is worth being made paramount. For the book fair, we selected the work of six Chinese artists. They are the vital contemporary Chinese artists who have profoundly influenced young and middle-aged artists both in China and abroad."

Xu says Feng Dazhong prefers Chinese ink for his art, using common subjects such as the plum flower, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum to describe the beauty of China. Tian Liming's work emphasizes the difference between Chinese art and other kinds of art.

Wu Shulin, director of the General Administration of Press and Publication, highly praises those art works.

"The year 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The world not only has an eye on Chinese economic development, but also has expectations about Chinese culture. We hope that the display can be a bridge to introduce classic Chinese culture and make the Chinese cultural spirit well-known to the public."

Dr. Kyra Dreher is the director-general of German Booksellers and Publishers Association. As one of the distinguished guests, she says she is very interested in Chinese art.

"During the book fair, lots of discussions and displays will be held. I think the Contemporary Chinese Art Display will better explain Chinese culture to people from all over the world. It is a good chance for Germans and people from other areas to learn more about the Chinese."

Wen Zhenshun is the consul general at the Chinese consulate in Frankfurt. He also sends his best wishes for the German book fair.

"Art is beyond borders, and culture is the best way for people from different countries and regions to communicate. I hope the display can be a good guide for German friends to learn more about China, to know its culture and its people, and finally to get a better understanding of China."

Xu Weiyi,CRI news.