ISLAMABAD: The Sir Syed Art Gallery on Sunday unveiled an exhibition of artwork by Chinese artists. A collaboration between Hunerkada College of Fine Arts and Performing Arts, the Silk Road Culture Centre, and China’s prestigious Sichuan Fine Art Institute, this showcase of traditional, contemporary and miniature paintings serves as a powerful testament to Sino-Pak cultural ties, echoing the historic Silk Road’s legacy of artistic exchange and connections.

Art enthusiasts were treated to a diverse array of works, ranging from traditional ink-wash landscapes and calligraphic pieces inspired by Chinese dynastic art to contemporary mixed-media installations addressing modern societal themes.

Among the dignitaries at the exhibition’s opening were Deputy Chairman of the Senate Syedaal Khan, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of State of Palestine Nader K. Alturkand Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin.

The Chinese ambassador described the exhibition as a celebration of the “hopeful season of spring”, fostering an in-depth artistic dialogue between the two nations.

Quoting a Chinese proverb, he said: “A single flower does not make a spring; it takes a hundred flowers in full bloom to fill the garden with the essence of the season.”

He reiterated President Xi Jinping’s commitment to cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilisations through the Global Civilisation Initiative. He affirmed China’s readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in promoting artistic and cultural ties, strengthening the foundation of their enduring friendship. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s historic support for China, citing the 1966 construction of the Karakoram Highway and Pakistan’s role in China’s readmission to the United Nations.

The Chinese ambassador also highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, from economic partnerships under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to mutual humanitarian support during times of crisis, such as the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and Pakistan’s 2022 flood relief efforts.

“The friendship between China and Pakistan is higher than the mountains, deeper than the sea, and sweeter than honey,” he remarked, reinforcing the significance of their shared history and future collaboration.

Art teacher Bashir Ahmed, a noted expert in miniature painting, praised the exhibition for its mastery of ink-wash techniques, stating, “Chinese miniature painting, rooted in a 5,000-year-old tradition, presents one of the most challenging artistic disciplines. The delicate control of ink and line work demands immense skill and patience, a hallmark of Chinese artistry.”

He emphasised the parallels between Chinese and Mughal miniature techniques, pointing out that Chinese masters had influenced the Mughal court painters.

“Artists like those in Emperor Babar’s court integrated elements of Chinese brushwork into their own styles, creating a fusion that continues to inspire contemporary artists today,” Ahmed noted.

He also highlighted the universality of art, asserting that “art transcends geographic, linguistic and cultural boundaries. It needs no language medium”.

CEO of Hunerkada and a key organiser of the exhibition Syed Jamal Shah underscored the role of art as a universal language that transcends geographic and cultural barriers.

“This exhibition is more than an art display; it’s a bridge between civilisations,” he stated, highlighting its alignment with ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan-China cultural collaborations, particularly within the CPEC framework.

Shah reflected on the historical and contemporary significance of the Silk Road as a conduit for artistic exchange, emphasising the need for continued engagement through workshops, exhibitions and artistic dialogues.

He announced future initiatives by the Silk Road Culture Centre, including additional exhibitions, workshops and festivals dedicated to visual arts, music and film.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2025