Art inspired by peace on show in UK

London exhibition aims to promote and improve mutual understanding

An exhibition of art from China showing at the Mall Galleries in London that focuses on world peace and development is open to the public until Friday.

Art& Peace－An Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Art, has not been seen before in the UK capital and is part of the China Artists Association's China Arts World Tour.

A sculpture on display at the show. [China Daily]

The 40 pieces on display are highlights from Beijing International Art Biennale exhibitions held between 2003 and 2015.

The exhibition aims to promote and strengthen mutual understanding and exchanges between the China Artists Association and fine-art communities around the world.

Works include ink paintings, oil paintings, wood block prints, sculptures, watercolor paintings and mixed media, all by renowned artists.

At the show's unveiling, Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, described the contemporary art exhibition as representing the Chinese people's keen aspiration for peace.

"These works showcase China's traditions and modernity and the harmonious co-existence between man and nature," he said. "They are meant to extol life and nature and to express the Chinese people's love and pursuit of peace."

Liu noted that the exhibition is running at a time of rising uncertainties and instabilities around the world and said the event "reflects the common wish of humanity for lasting peace in the world".

"Through a rich variety of artistic expressions, this exhibition emphasizes China's commitment to building a community of shared future for mankind," Liu said. "It conveys a profound reflection by Chinese artists, and their aspiration for world peace and development."

He said he believes visitors will "gain a deeper understanding of the value of peace, about the healing power of art, and about the importance for humanity to pursue and uphold peace together".

Also addressing visitors at the opening, Liu Dawei, chairman of the China Artists Association, stressed that communication and understanding is a core value for any bilateral relationship.

"That is why it is so important for us to have cultural exchanges," he said. "The works of art from some of the artists reflect historical moments, daily lives, and natural scenery, and some also show social progress."

Suzanna Mu, the event's organizer and managing director of Sino-European Arts, said she was delighted with the level of support for the exhibition, which she began putting together a year ago.