The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) is happy to announce its support of the exhibition "Lines in Motion: East meets West", a cultural exchange project in Amsterdam, the Netherlands focusing on modern Chinese calligraphy, paintings, abstract modern art, installations, sculptures and ceramics by 12 artists from Hong Kong, four from Chengdu and 10 from the Netherlands. 
      
     One of the artists exhibiting at the event, Amsterdam-based Chan Loi Che, a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that the exhibition aims to open Western eyes to the seemingly incomprehensible traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting by pointing out that the same sentiment in appreciating Western abstract art is applicable. 
      
     "At the same time, we are trying to bring Eastern visitors to appreciate modern abstract art by emphasising perspectives from their own roots," Ms Chan added.
      
     The artists include established names and young talents, with a mixture of homogeneous and multicultural backgrounds.  Works of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting are displayed side by side with works inspired by Western modern abstract art. Some are experimental and intercultural works that inherit visual interpretations from both sides.  
      
     Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Chau, who officiated at the opening with the Portfolio holder of Art Commissions and Alderman of the City of Amsterdam's Eastern District, Mr Ivar Manuel, said that Hong Kong is a melting pot for culture, is blessed with a unique East-meets-West character and enjoys in-depth cultural exchanges and co-operation with countries around the world. Hong Kong has developed into a prominent hub for cultural exchanges in the region, she added.
      
     "After years of planning and preparation, the much anticipated West Kowloon Cultural District is gradually becoming a prominent landmark on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour. Our aim is to create a modern and high quality venue to bring arts to the people and people to the arts,” Miss Chau said.
      
     She also noted that further to this exciting project, Hong Kong will continue to enhance its connectivity, with major cross-boundary projects like the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which is due to open later this year.
      
     "These major infrastructural projects will not only reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international financial, transport and cultural hub, they also prepare us to grasp the many new opportunities ahead of us, including those arising from China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area Development,"
Miss Chau added.
      
     The exhibition "Lines in Motion: East meets West" is being held at CBK Amsterdam, Oranje-Vrijstaatkade 71, 1093 KS Amsterdam in the Netherlands from February 9 to March 3. The Arts Development Fund (Cultural Exchange Project) of the Home Affairs Bureau provides financial support to outbound cultural exchange projects by Hong Kong artists and art groups to facilitate the promotion of Hong Kong's arts and the promotion of Hong Kong internationally. Some of the participating artists from Hong Kong received support from the Fund to take part in this event.

Ends/Monday, February 12, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:46

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