National museum hosts diverse art exhibitions

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, October 07, 2003

National museum hosts diverse art exhibitions

Traditional Russian landscapes and Italian abstracts are attracting visitors to the National Museum of China.

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Traditional Russian landscapes and Italian abstracts are attracting visitors to the National Museum of China.

The two ongoing exhibitions, "Contemporary Russian oil paintings and sketches" and a solo presentation by Italian master Ugo Nespolo, will run until October 20 at the museum on the eastern end of the Tian'anmen Square, Beijing.

The 200 oil paintings and 109 sketches by contemporary Russian artists- mostly alumni, faculty and students from the prestigious Repin Academy of Fine Arts - have been on display since September 18.

"Most of my classmates came to the exhibition to study the works," said Chen Jing, a student at Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA).

Russian art, particularly oil paintings and sketches, had a great influence on Chinese art in the 1950s and 1960s. That's still true today, said Xi Jingzhi, professor with the CAFA.

"We have expected a public enthusiasm as the Chinese have a traditional emotion toward Russian art," said Li Lianxin, spokesman for the Russian exhibition.

"But many Chinese who love Russian art only know great artists like Ilya Repin (1844-1930). Some visitors were disappointed when they realized his works were not included," said Li.

It makes sense to hold an exhibition of contemporary Russian artists because the Chinese know little about the development of Russian art over the past 30 years, said Xi.

The oil paintings, including landscapes, still-life and portraits, show the artists' creativity as they insist on the ethnic tradition of realism.

Meanwhile, the exhibit by Ugo Nespolo, sponsored by the Italian Embassy, has raised some eyebrows for its fresh portrayal of modern European abstracts.

About 100 colourful works are on display, mostly prints. "They are shocking ... especially after I saw the Russian works," said Li Yu, from East China's Anhui Province.

"I can see the Russian landscapes are beautiful, but I don't really understand what these Italian works mean. They are to me just large patches of colour," said Li.

But Chen Yibin, a student from Peking University, said she loved the works. "I have seen some abstract art in the Ludwig collection on display at the National Art Museum of China. They are so strong and a little bit too solemn for me.

"But these ones are so funny and light-hearted. The artist has a good sense of humour," said Chen.

Since launching his career in the 1960s Nespolo has experimented with a variety of media, including film production, painting, sculpture, costume design, ceramics and glass-making.

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