Warrior - from jade, panda - from bamboo: works of masters of China and Belarus were presented at the NHM exhibition

A new exposition of the National Art Museum is devoted to the friendly dialogue of cultures. The leitmotif is the art of the Silk Road. Traditional mythology, sacred meanings of folklore, plots that demonstrate the majestic spirit of the Celestial Empire, were reflected in their works by modern Chinese and Belarusian masters, but in the exposition there was a place for ancient masterpieces. The fascinating synthesis of oriental motifs in metal, stone, ceramics and wood is embodied in statuettes, jewelry and panels.

The main art museum of Belarus and creative organizations of China have long-standing partnerships. One of the areas of cooperation is exclusive exhibitions. The exhibits are unique, each with its own story and plot. The reason for the new exposition was an important date - the Day of formation of the People's Republic of China. NHM Director General Irina Matyas noted that every year our countries are developing a closer cultural dialogue:

Belarus and China are creating joint projects, forming close cooperation in the field of art. Masters from China have repeatedly presented their works in our museum. This time, the works of the two countries are collected in one exhibition. The plots absorbed the original history of the Chinese nation, which is of particular interest to Belarusians.

The exhibition covers a wide range of topics – from mythological images of ancient China to deep symbolic compositions of modernity, but they also give a reference to centuries-old traditions. Advisor on science and technology of the Chinese Embassy in Belarus Yang Junke is encouraged by the possibility of communication of peoples through unique objects:

The exhibition brings together the best works of traditional art by the authors of two great states, whose culture has deep historical roots. Our peoples have a desire for development, Belarusians and Chinese are hardworking, ambitious, creatively original. It serves as a bridge to great friendship. Among the organizers of the creative event are the Chinese Research Institute of Folk Art and the Donou Cultural and Educational Exchange Center, with which the museum has long-term cooperation. The gifts of the center were included in the exhibition, and this is not accidental, noted its director Cui Wenjie:

- Since its inception in 2019, we have been promoting Chinese folk art in Belarus. We believe that culture is the thread between hearts. The exhibition carries the skill and wisdom of our craftsmen, shows the heritage of which we are truly proud. It touches the delicate strings of the soul and works of Belarusian masters on Chinese themes. This is an example of deep understanding.

The most interesting exhibits were emphasized by researcher of the Department of Foreign Art Bogdan Tupchienko:

- Among the unusual items is a baton, at one end of which the flag of the PRC, at the other - Belarus: symbolizes the unity of peoples, made of metal and enamel. A panel application from bamboo with pandas deserves attention. The perfection of the lines fascinates the statuette of a warrior made of a rare and valuable material - black and green jade. A unique exhibit is a box with studs-knives. Chinese women with such hairpins would harden their hair and defend themselves in case of danger.

The exhibition is available to visit until October 30. And it is not the last: NHM plans to continue a series of exhibitions of art of the East.

nev@sb.by