Chongqing - On June 10th, the "Ba Shi - Foreign Artists in Chengdu and Chongqing" art exhibition was held at the Jingshan Ecool ADC Art Design Center in Chongqing, bringing together artists from four countries, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Armenia. Their answer to the life experience in Chengdu and Chongqing was "Ba Shi," a classic dialect term used in the Chongqing and Chengdu regions, which means "very comfortable" or "pleasant."

On June 10th, the "Ba Shi - Foreign Artists in Chengdu and Chongqing" art exhibition was held, bringing together artists from four countries, including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Armenia. (Photo/He Chunyang)

The exhibition showcased 61 artworks, capturing various aspects of life in Chongqing and Chengdu. From the bell tower of Sichuan University to the sunset in Yuzhong District, from the Dazu Rock Carvings to the Bronze God Tree, from sugar paintings to emerald bamboo, the exhibition encompassed natural landscapes, portraits, architecture, and street life. The exhibited artworks included oil, acrylic, pastels, prints, and photography. Some paintings will be part of a charity auction to support local charity organizations.

"The exhibition artworks are the artists' interpretation of their experiences in China, reflecting their understanding of the 'Ba Shi' experience of Chinese culture and life," explained the exhibition organizer. 

"This artwork took three hours to create and depicts the well-known scenery where the two rivers meet, especially during the prolonged winter fog in Chongqing," said Stephen Ellison, the British Consul General in Chongqing, who introduced his work during the exhibition. 

Stephen Ellison, the British Consul General in Chongqing, introduced his artwork at the exhibition. (Photo/He Chunyang)

Having lived in China for over ten years, Stephen Ellison assumed the position of British Consul General in Chongqing in November 2020. Most of the artworks he brought to the exhibition were created in Chongqing over the past two years, featuring landmarks such as Nanshan Mountain, the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the Huguang Guild Hall.

The audience is visiting the art exhibition. (Photo/ The British Consul General in Chongqing)

Mafalda Soares Nunes from the Netherlands was another artist participating in the exhibition. With previous experiences living and working in various countries such as China, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Brazil, and Portugal, her multicultural encounters provided her with diverse inspirations. Currently residing in Chongqing, she likes to walk the streets with a map, seeking inspiration. The people and experiences she encounters in Chongqing find their way into her artwork, offering a unique perspective on Chinese culture and art.

The exhibition will continue until June 18th. The British Consulate General in Chongqing jointly organizes the exhibition, with the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Chongqing, and the Consulate General of Germany in Chengdu.