Exhibition opens in Haikou to mark China-Russia friendship

An exhibition of artwork by Russian and Chinese artists attracts visitors, May 11, 2019. [Photo by Ma Zhiping/chinadaily.com.cn]

An exhibition of artwork by Russian and Chinese artists opened at the Hainan Museum on Saturday in Haikou, capital of South China's Hainan province, to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As a move to continue the nations' long-standing friendship and promote cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation among Belt and Road countries, Hainan recently invited 10 teachers and students from the Repin Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to visit the island province and see the new features of the Hainan Free Trade Pilot Zone and Free Trade Port with Chinese characteristics, said Sun Su, chairperson of the Hainan Provincial Federation of Literature and Art Circles, which jointly organized the event with the Publicity Department of the CPC's Hainan Provincial Committee.

The Russian artists joined locals on a week-long visit to Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Baoding and Sanya and completed 77 paintings which are now on display at the Hainan Museum. The exhibition is scheduled to close on May 25.

Xiao Yingzi, center, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, at the exhibition on Saturday. [Photo by Ma Zhiping/chinadaily.com.cn]

Aleksandr Chuvin, academician of the Russian Academy of Art Science and head of the Oil Painting Department of the Repin Academy of Fine Arts, said it was the first time for the Russian artists to be in Hainan and they were very impressed by the tropical landscapes, sea views and local lifestyles, which gave them new inspirations for future artwork.

Chuvin said they expect more exchanges and cooperation with Hainan artists.

"The paintings by Russian artists give me a new feeling toward my own hometown. It is a rare and happy experience to learn their skills of art expression and vision for oil painting in Haikou," said Li Ying, a local amateur oil painter.

The Repin Academy of Fine Arts is a world top-four academy of fine arts. It has a long tradition of exchanges with Chinese art circles and has helped train a number of outstanding talents for China, according to the provincial federation of literature and art circles.

Aleksandr Chuvin, academician at the Russian Academy of Art Science and head of the Oil Painting Department of the Repin Academy of Fine Arts, in Hainan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]