An exhibition spanning 10 days featuring oil paintings by Chinese and Russian artists, commencing on May 14 at the Beijing Russian Culture Center, captivated visitors with scenes ranging from a picturesque church at sunset to vibrant outdoor cafes and traditional dress adorned with multicolored floral prints.

Wang Tieniu, a professor at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, and an alumnus of the renowned I. Repin St Petersburg State Academy Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture in Russia, noted the prevalent theme of realism in the showcased oil paintings. He emphasized the enduring influence of the Russian school on Chinese oil painting styles, citing the realism that resonates with people's aspirations for a better life.

The exhibition, held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, was a collaborative effort by the China Western Returned Scholars Association (Russia returned scholars branch), Beijing Russian Culture Center, I. Repin St Petersburg State Academy Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, and the International College of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Zhang Dongkai, the executive dean of the International College of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, highlighted the diverse range of artworks on display, showcasing landscape sketches, figure paintings, and still life compositions by artists from both academies, reflecting their innovative approaches to art education.

Urzhumtseva Tatiana, the director of the Beijing Russian Culture Center, expressed the deep artistic exchanges between Chinese and Russian artists, noting the challenge visitors may face in distinguishing the paintings' origins.

Ye Nan, a professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and a former student of the I. Repin St Petersburg State Academy Institute, reminisced about the warm reception and artistic camaraderie she experienced while sketching outdoors in Russia.

With an estimated 600 Chinese art students having studied at the I. Repin St Petersburg State Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture since the late 1980s, the enduring cultural exchange between the two nations continues to shape and enrich the artistic landscapes of both countries.

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