Consulate General of India

Shanghai

Press Release

An exhibition of Indian Paintings drawn by Chinese Artist Wang Zhijie under the theme of "India through Chinese Eyes" opens at Consulate General of India in Shanghai

On the occasion of the 67th Republic Day of India, an exhibition of paintings of Indian scenery drawn by veteran Chinese painter, Mr. Wang Zhijie under the theme of "India through Chinese eyes" went up on display at the Indian Consulate premises in Shanghai. The exhibition showcases thirty masterpieces drawn by Mr. Zhijie Wang, who had visited India in 2009, as a leader of 24-other artists from China as part of "Go to India"initiative. In his own words, "after this I fell in love with India - I was deeply moved by everything I had seen, heard, touched, felt and learned"! It may be noted that after his return from India, Mr. Zhejie Wang (profile enclosed) has only been painting Indian sceneries and characters. After returning from India, he dedicated six years, painting thirty select pieces ‘impressions of India', depicting various aspects of life In India. Some of the key pieces are titled ‘The Banks of Varanasi; ‘A walk in the Market'; and ‘The Street of Bombay' etc.

While his artworks have been put on display in several art galleries in Shanghai, Mr. Wang  got seven sets of ‘lithographs' printed and decided to donate one set comprising 30 pieces of Indian vignettes to the  Indian Consulate in Shanghai.

(Consul General Prakash Gupta with Mr Wang Zhinjie , son of Mr Zhijie Wang)

Artist Wang complied these paintings in an artwork collection named ‘Impressions of India' which features a watercolor impression of Bollywood actress Ashwarya Rai by the painter on its cover.

Subsequent to the exhibition in Shanghai, the set of paintings are proposed to be taken to various other cities across Eastern China region as part of India Culture Weeks, which are being planned in association with local administration. The exhibition will be open for public viewing from Jan 28, 2016 - Feb 28, 2016 at Consulate General of India premises (Address: 1008, Shanghai International Trade Centre 2201, Yan'an West Road, Shanghai) from 1100 hrs - 1700 hrs.

Shanghai, Jan 27 2016

Enclosure Profile

'Message from Chinese Artist Wang Zhijie'

Distinguished Consul General of India in Shanghai,

Dear leaders, distinguished guests,

Dear media friends,

Good afternoon!

I have loved reading Indian poems and tales which embodies religious philosophy since I was a child. They have presented a world in which everything has vivid and eternal life.

In 2009, I was honored to visit India and explored the oriental country with thousand years of civilization. I observed the Indian landscape, where the magnificent castles of thousand-year history are integrated with the mixed residences. The colorful dream and reality are both reflected in the Indian cities, behind which is the devotion and faith of people and the peace, tranquility and tolerance that brought by faith, and the peace in soul is what the oriental people are following.

I always believe that the beauty of India lies here. After going back to China, I arranged all of my drawings which I collected on my way.

I spent three years to complete the "Watercolor Impression of India". In other word, the series of art piece illustrates my worship and respect for the land where the Buddha Sakyamuni and Mahatma Gandhi were born.

The donation works are the limited lithograph of my watercolor paintings "Watercolor Impression of India". There are 33 pieces in total. The art pieces originated from my India trip in 2009.

Every painting epitomises my effort, passion and my deep love for India.

I believe that art, as the expression of the most mysterious feeling, goes beyond time, space and cultural difference. It is the vivid and innovative expression on human emotion, thought and faith. I also hope that the donation and exhibition of the art works will help Chinese people have a better idea of Indian society, culture and current situation. It will help promote the exchange of art, enhance mutual understanding and friendship of Chinese and Indian people.

I would like to express my gratitude for the great support of the Chinese and Indian governments and cultural organizations. I would like to thank Mr. Prakash Gupta, Consul-General of India, Shanghai, Mr. Prasant Tripathi, Culture Consul and Mr. Wang Chengda, the Director of Shanghai Quanhua Watercolor Painting Gallery. I would like to express my special gratitude to my friend Mr. Luo Weimin and his family for their great help to make the 33 art works to witness the fruit of Chinese and Indian friendship and cooperation, and to fulfill one of my greatest wishes in my life.

Thanks you！

Wang Zhijie

20th January 2016