ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of Chinese comic art opened at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA)’s China Cultural Centre on Wednesday.
Cultural Counselor of the Chinese embassy You Yi, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the exhibition “Classic and Inheritance - From Traditional Chinese Lianhuanhua to Modern Comic Art” - showcasing works of 17 comic artists, including He Youzhi, Gu Bingxin, Pang Bangben, Li Zhiwu, Wang Kewei, Nie Chonrui, Lu BoNie Jun, Lu Ming, Golo Yao and two female comic artist – Zao Dao and Zhao Jia.
He was accompanied by PNCA Director General Jamal Shah, Pakistan-China Friendship Association President Atiya Qutab, Pakistan’s first woman cartoonist Nigar Nazar, famous Chinese comic artists and illustrators - Li Zhiwu, Zuo Jian, Wang Ning - and cartoonist Nei Jing Hui.
The exhibition features some of the best and representative Chinese comic art, its evolution in different ages starting from the 40s till 80s.
Addressing the audience, including students of private schools and art enthusiasts, Mr You said: “Comic as a universal art language promotes mutual understandings between various cultures.”
The exhibition aims to showcase Chinese visual art, history and modern economic achievements to outside world and promote friendship between peoples of different countries, especially our time-tested friend, Pakistan, he added.
Lianhuanhua used to be one of China’s most popular forms of mass entertainment. Society has changed since then and media have diversified but people are now exploring new ways to preserve these charming picture books, he added.
The cultural counselor also appreciated the participating Chinese artists of the exhibition which according to him will be helpful for cementing the exemplary friendship between China and Pakistan.