by Raheela Nazir
ISLAMABAD, March 21 (Xinhua) -- On the pleasant sunny morning of springtime in Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad, art enthusiasts made the most of it by attending an art exhibition featuring the work of a Chinese artist.
The exhibition, named "Mirror to the Soul," was organized by the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and showcased portraits of celebrated Pakistani artists drawn by Zhao Yingming, a Chinese oil painter and art educator.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahat Naveed Masud, a curator of the event and Pakistani prominent artist, said that Pakistan and China have a long history of strong multidimensional ties covering the entire spectrum including the economy, education, science and technology.
Masud told Xinhua that art and culture play a vital role in building bridges between the peoples of the two countries, adding that the keen interest expressed by the visitors reflected growing cultural ties between Pakistan and China.
She said that art is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures and inspires people, adding that more of such exhibitions and exchanges should be held to further cement bonds between Pakistan and China.
Talking to Xinhua, Yang Xiaodong, director of China Pakistan Educational Cultural Exchanging Institute, said that Pakistan and China have diverse cultures and rich traditions of art and literature which offered both Chinese and Pakistani artists and art students a great opportunity to learn from each other.
"We want to build bridges for communication and deepen understanding between the peoples of the two countries, especially young generations. Such an event helps Pakistani people take a closer look at the Chinese culture, and vice versa, making friendship between the two peoples more resilient and long-lasting," he added.
Kashmala Malik, an art student from the eastern Rawalpindi district, said that joint art exhibitions, academic collaboration, and festivals have been promoting understanding and strengthening friendship between Pakistan and China.
"Cultural and art activities provide an exceptional opportunity for people from varied backgrounds to connect, unite, and admire the essence of art and develop a better understanding of various cultures," she said.
