RIYADH, 14 June 2005 — An exhibition featuring 77 paintings from 44 Taiwanese artists was opened here Sunday night by Dr. Saleh M. Al-Namlah, deputy minister of culture and information. The exhibition expresses the cultural and artistic heritage of eastern Asia and portrays the charm of oriental art of both past and present.
After formally opening the exhibition at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, Al-Namlah said the event, which featured Taiwan’s contemporary art, would help boost cultural links between Riyadh and Taipei. The ceremony was attended by Saudi and Taiwanese officials including Sheng-tsung Yang, chief of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. A five-member Taiwanese delegation including three artists attended the opening ceremony.
In his inaugural speech, Al-Namlah said: “The cultural events and the exhibitions like the one by these Taiwanese artists, are the best way to explore cultural treasures.”
The event titled “2005 Exhibition of Paintings by Taiwanese Contemporary Masters”, organized by the Al-Riyadh Plastic Art Group and the National Taiwan Arts Education Center, excels in fine art and craft, he said.
After cutting the ribbon to open the event, Al-Namlah together with Taiwanese officials toured the exhibition. The subjects of the paintings ranged from pastoral scenes to themes of contemporary Taiwan.
On his part, Sheng-tsung Yang said “this exhibition is dedicated to the theme of displaying Taiwan’s local cultures.” He hoped that this event would introduce the culture and the essence of Taiwanese native art to the people of the Kingdom. Yang said cultural exchanges “can ease tensions between nations by facilitating mutual understanding and friendship.”
“We firmly believe that this exhibition will serve as an invaluable opportunity for Taiwan and Saudi Arabia to promulgate in art education exchanges and simultaneously strengthen ties,” said Tsu-Sheng Wu, director general of National Taiwan Arts Education Center.
