The exhibition and symposium will mark an important step by the China in supporting cultural studies, artistic discipline and art history to facilitate better understanding of the region Southeast Asia in relation to China’s Belt and Road Initiative which has changed enormously social-political landscape of Asia.
Since the announcement of Belt and Road Initiative there have been ripple effects in terms of development of land routes planned to connect South China, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, India, the Middle East and Europe. In addition, maritime sea routes have opened new potentials for trade, commerce and foreign relations.
By building closer China-ASEAN ties it is essential to understand modern and contemporary art. Through art exhibitions, symposiums, art fairs and international art events in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Sichuan cultural exchanges of modern and contemporary art have been exciting and frequent.
Furthermore, we need to plan for large-scale exhibitions with themes related to climate change, environment issues, gender and cultural hegemony. Increase scholarly studies, research and publication on modern and contemporary art in context of Southeast Asia and China.I hope very much the outcome of this exhibition will further enrich cross- cultural cultivation between China and ASEAN countries.