Message from Meridian International Center
It is my pleasure to present CHINA Town: Contemporary Ceramic Painting from Jingdezhen, the most recent offering by Meridian International Center’s Art for Cultural Diplomacy program. For over 30 years, Meridian has employed culture as a way to encourage Americans and people around the world to better understand one another.
This presentation is the first project to emerge from a Memorandum of Understanding between our organization and the China International Culture Association. This formal partnership resulted from a decade-long history of undertakings carried out by Meridian with Chinese cultural institutions. The Memorandum serves as a basis for programs and exchanges, featuring the visual arts, performing arts, culinary arts, and other activities that will reach audiences in both countries.
CHINA Town is comprised of 56 paintings on porcelain that highlight artistic trends emerging in the ancient ceramic capital of Jingdezhen. These works, selected by Meridian’s curators together with Chinese partners, represent China’s ability to safeguard age-old traditions while continuing to experiment with new styles. We are hopeful that they will provide insight into the future of this fascinating medium. With admiration, I commend Madame Luo Yinggui, Chairwoman of the Ren Jian Ci Hua Company, for her innovative approach to this evolving field.
This exhibition will serve as a catalyst in promoting positive relations between the United States and China. I am grateful to the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, and to Ambassador Zhang Yesui and his staff at the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C., for their involvement and support. I would also like to thank the Ren Jian Ci Hua Company for their friendship and dedication to this shared undertaking.
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 Stuart Holliday |
