On December 20, 2023, Chinese painter Zhu Gang's Exhibition on Characters in Chinese Opera was held in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the 48th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Nearly 150 officials, entrepreneurs, and artists attended the opening ceremony.
Somchai Wongsawat, former Thai Prime Minister, emphasized the exhibition's role in enhancing Thai people's understanding of Chinese traditional culture through Zhu's paintings. He mentioned that the relationship between Thailand and China has made significant progress in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations 48 years ago. Currently, the Thai government attaches great importance to cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries, deepening understanding of different cultures, and promoting cooperation in multiple fields.
Dr. Guo Liteng, Chairman of the advisory board to the Minister of Culture of Thailand, emphasized in his speech that Thailand and China have always lived in harmony and established a profound friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations 48 years ago. Zhu's exhibition has allowed more people to have a deeper understanding of Chinese art, and the friendship between Thailand and China has blossomed through continuous cultural exchanges.
Chang Yumeng, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, stated that the leaders of China and Thailand have paid official visits to each other’s countries consecutively in recent years, and both sides have reached a broad consensus on further strengthening friendly cooperation in various fields between the two countries. She believed that Zhu's exhibition would vividly showcase the unique charm of Chinese painting and traditional Chinese opera to the Thai people.
Lin Chuqin, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, noted that China boasts a long and profound history, during which culture has been flourishing with different characters. "Chinese culture is a spiritual bond that sustains the global Chinese community and a treasure trove of Chinese cultural innovation." Lin also stated that this exhibition will deepen the understanding and love of traditional Chinese culture among the Thai people, promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Thailand and China, enhance friendship between Chinese and foreign people, and promote the building of a community with a shared future between Thailand and China.
Zhu Gang said that China and Thailand are geologically adjacent and have developed deep cultural connections. He introduced the unique artistic charm of Chinese opera figure painting, which combines the two national treasures of "Chinese painting" and "opera" to convey the most simple values and ideal vision of the public. He emphasized that the friendship between countries lies in mutual affinity between the people, and he hopes to enhance the friendship between China and Thailand and promote the development of art through this exchange.
Zhu is President of the Shanghai Art Museum Association, Dean of the School of Fine Arts of Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, and a famous opera painter. In his career of opera sketching spanning nearly 40 years, he has always pursued the integration of Chinese operas with modern painting to express traditional Chinese culture in Chinese operas. He began to learn painting when he was a child. His works have been highly aclaimed worldwide for the profound cultural expertise and unique artistic expression, integrating Chinese opera with modern painting, and showcasing Chinese historical allusions and characters. His obsession with and love for traditional Chinese classics are the keys to the vividness of his paintings. The historical stories of Wang Zhaojun Departs for the Frontier, the Drunken Concubine, Farewell to My Concubine, and others are often the subjects of his works.
More than 60 traditional Chinese opera character paintings are exhibited, including scenes from famous Chinese operas such as The Palace of Eternal Life, The Peony Pavilion, The Legend of the White Snake, and Spring of the Jade Hall.
Reporter: Rofel, Zhou Yuting (Intern)
Editor: Nan, Will,
