The opening ceremony of "The Great Master Confucius in Mutual Reflections between Civilisations" was held on 30th March 2022 at Caxton House, London South Bank University in conjunction with the Fine Arts Museum of Shandong Painting Academy. A total of more than a hundred people attended the event, including many Chinese calligraphers and painters, guests from organisations in China and the UK, and ten teachers and students from CITCM’s partner school, Stanhope Primary School.
At 11.30 am (GMT), the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine (CITCM) and the Shandong Painting Academy started a virtual video conference. The Dean of Shandong Painting Academy, Mr Weike Kong, first expressed that although he was unable to go to the exhibition in the UK due to domestic epidemic prevention and control measures, he believed that through everyone's joint efforts, the artists of the two countries would take this exhibition as an opportunity and a platform to enhance mutual respect, understanding and appreciation.
Ms Guolin Li, Deputy Director of Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, shared that this exhibition “is a feast of culture and art, as well as an exchange and interaction of soul and thoughts.” She added, “The epidemic can’t stop our communication. Let us cherish the present moment and cherish our friendship to overcome more difficulties.”
Professor Yinong Xu, Executive Director of CITCM, emphasized that the exhibition aims to promote cross-cultural communication, understanding and engagement, and to facilitate more frequent international collaborations in the future. "It is by no means a simple culture export. The real exchange should be reciprocal". Therefore, respect, tolerance, modesty, and honesty are the indispensable premises. He warmly welcomed further cooperation in the future between the two cultures.
After the opening ceremony, students, teachers and guests viewed each exhibit attentively. One guest said, “It was a pleasure to attend and great to get a better understanding of Chinese culture. The story being told within the artwork and intricacy was fascinating. I am so pleased that the event went well.”
The public exhibition will be held on the Ground Floor of Caxton House, London South Bank University from 31st March to 7th April 2022.
Confucius (Kǒng Fūzǐ or commonly Kǒngzǐ in Mandarin) was a Chinese teacher, philosopher and political theorist in the 6th-5th century BCE.
Exhibition Duration:
31 March to 7 April 2022 (10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday)
Location:
Caxton House, 13-16 Borough Road, London. SE10 0AN
Organisers:
Shandong Painting Academy
Caxton House-China Research and Engagement
Confucius Institute for TCM
Co-organiser:
Beijing Bo Xu Ming Ye Culture Media Co Ltd
Entrance Fee:
Free to public