| Danial Norjidi |
A BRUNEI-CHINA arts workshop was held yesterday at the Rainforest Gallery, featuring three artists from China’s Academy of Art.
The three artists, Gu Yingqing, Chen Lei and Liu Haiyong, are in Brunei to share ideas and experiences with Bruneian artists.
Attending yesterday’s event as the guest of honour was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof. Also present was the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Yang Jian.
In a speech during the proceedings, the ambassador shared that the three Chinese painters have been “overwhelmed by the beauty of Brunei”.
Over the last few days, the three painters have visited mosques, Kampong Ayer, the mangroves and enjoyed the sunshine, water and rainforest at the Ulu-Ulu Temburong National Park, she shared.
The artists also got to meet with Bruneians in different places, drawing their images with pencils and brushes. Once they return to China, they will turn their impression of Brunei into pictures on paper, the ambassador explained.
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The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Yang Jian presenting a token of appreciation to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof
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The minister having his portrait sketched. – PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI
“Artists have different eyes. They have eyes that can find beauty we often overlook,” she said. “We communicate with words. They communicate with paintbrushes and touch people’s hearts in their own way.”
“Be it Chinese, Bruneians or people of any other country, they have the same quest for beauty, for peace and serenity. I do believe that such exchanges between the artists of the two countries will bring the two peoples closer at heart, and will further promote the cultural exchanges and cooperation,” she added.
During yesterday’s event, one of the artists painted 10-minute portraits of visitors, including of the minister himself.
The artists themselves are highly accomplished. Gu Yingqing is the professor and supervisor in the Chinese Academy of Art, and is also a member of the Chinese Artists Association and one of the directors of the Chian Hue Art Society.
Liu Haiyong is teaching as an associate professor and master tutor in China’s Academy of Arts, where he is also serving as the deputy director of the Chinese Painting department.
Chen Lai is the deputy professor and director of the Painting Department, as well as the Director of the Basic Calligraphy Department in the School of Chinese Painting at the Academy of Art.
He is also Vice Secretary-General of the Hangzhou Artists Association and Consultant of Xianghu Gallery and Pujiang Chinese Painting Institute.
The workshop’s sponsors were the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Huawei Technologies and the Rainforest Gallery.
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