On July 14, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Beijing held a special ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of a donated artwork, a beautiful testament to the ever-strengthening cultural ties between South Africa and China.
The artwork, a grand fresco measuring 3.6 by 2 meters, was generously donated by the esteemed Chinese artist, Qu Zhenhui. A laureate with several awards to her credit, Qu is known not just for her contributions to the art world, but also for her profound dedication to empowering women and youth and her commitment to community art programs.
Over a span of six months in 2023, Qu devoted herself to create the breathtaking fresco, which now graces the parlor of the South African embassy in Beijing. The artwork’s intricate details and profound symbolism mirror the artist’s profound respect and appreciation for South Africa.
Ambassador Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele was present at the ceremony and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Qu’s artistic dedication. “I truly appreciate Qu’s great efforts in the creation of this beautiful piece of art. This impressive piece of art represents Qu’s gesture of goodwill and appreciation to our country,” the Ambassador remarked. He further added that having the artwork displayed in the embassy is a source of immense honor and serves as a perpetual reminder of their homeland’s rich culture and its people.
Such artwork is more than just a decorative piece; it is a bridge fostering cultural exchanges between South Africa and China. As Ambassador Cwele pointed out, the South African Embassy in Beijing will continue to support people-to-people interactions in the realm of art and culture, with the aim of further consolidating the friendship between the two countries.
This artwork donation ceremony indeed marked a significant milestone in the cultural dialogue between South Africa and China, reiterating the power of art in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
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