On August 16, a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Smurfs, which was created by cartoonist Peyo in Belgium, took place at the Guangzhou Cultural & Art Centre. Expats from nearly 20 countries and regions, including Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, attended the special "birthday party".
The event formed part of the "From Paper to the Metaverse – Special Exhibition of Smurfs' 65th Anniversary", which is underway at the Guangzhou Cultural & Art Center. At the celebration event, it was announced that the exhibition would be extended until August 31.
This exhibition tells the story behind the Smurfs' 65-year history. Visitors will get to know the character and background of its creator. You can see how the Smurfs grew, from minor roles to a global phenomenon, to a timeless animated classic. On display here are also 12 pieces of animation celluloid from The Smurfs TV series collection at the Guangzhou JC Animation Museum, each of which is a unique treasure.
Wim Peeters, Consul General of Belgium in Guangzhou, exchanged gifts with Jin Cheng, a well-known cartoon artist and founder of the Guangzhou JC Animation Museum. Peeters presented the cartoon portrait of Jin created by the Smurf studio Peyo Productions in Belgium, while Jin sent a painting of Smurfs and Monkey King that he created especially for this exhibition and celebration.
Wim Peeters (L) exchanges paintings with Jin Cheng (R)
"The story of The Smurfs is also a story of contact and cooperation between Belgium and China," said Peeters. In 1983, the animated TV series The Smurfs was for the first time introduced to China by Guangdong Television. Furthermore, the "Song of the Smurfs", the widely-circulated and well-known theme song, was created by two local art masters.
Peeters furthered, "I am convinced that this special exhibition will strengthen the friendship between the people of Belgium and China and that it will motivate us in our move forward to a bright future, together, with these beloved elves!"
In addition, it was announced at the event that this special exhibition will continue its itinerant tour to Dongguan's Centennial Chinese Comic Art Museum. Moreover, in 2025, the upcoming Smurfs 3D movie will be released.
Reporter: Holly
Editor: Olivia, Monica, James
Photos provided to GDToday
