On May 22, the opening ceremony of the "Reform Mission: Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition Hong Kong" was held atat Hall 3B of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Zheng Yanxiong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong, and Hu Jinjun, Member of the Standing Committee of the Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Minister of Propaganda of Guangdong Province, attended as the main guests of honor and delivered speeches.
Zheng Yanxiong extended warm congratulations on the successful organization of the exhibition. He emphasized that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to cultural work, highlighting that culture is the soul of a country and a nation.
"Without a high degree of cultural confidence and cultural prosperity, there can be no great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The code for the continuous passing down, eternal vitality, and brilliance of the Chinese nation throughout thousands of years of history lies in the continuous cultural context. The cultures of Guangdong and Hong Kong are significant components of Chinese culture. Guangdong has been a leading region in cultural confidence and cultural prosperity in modern times, with Guangdong art being a crucial representative. The close relationship between Hong Kong and Guangdong art, especially the Lingnan School of Painting, is highlighted. Hong Kong's open environment and cultural blending have provided new development opportunities for Guangdong artists, making it an essential base for the inheritance and development of Guangdong art and the external exchange of Guangdong artists."
Zheng pointed out that the theme of the exhibition, "Reform Mission," reflects the development trends of Guangdong art over the past century and the economic and social development of Hong Kong over the same period.
"This exhibition is not only a historical reflection on the past but also a heartfelt look towards the future. It transcends time and space for a dialogue of civilizations and resonates with a connected spirit. It presents a visual feast that mirrors the past and present and pays a cultural tribute that stirs the soul. The exhibited works fully demonstrate the artists' dedication to the Chinese aesthetic ideals, their commitment to inheritance during national vicissitudes, and their confidence amidst external openness and exchange. This cultural confidence, in dialectical relation with inclusivity and innovation, provides significant insights into how Hong Kong can achieve innovative development and contribute more significantly, showcasing the essential experience that must be upheld in the practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong."
Zheng emphasized that to continue the legendary cultural tale of the new era in Hong Kong, the banner of patriotism must be held high, and art must become the torch of the spirit.
"In this new era and new stage, patriotism must run through artistic practices consistently, allowing Hong Kong compatriots to build strong ideological foundations of loving the country and Hong Kong through artistic immersion, promoting the inheritance and development of excellent Chinese culture. It requires unfolding the wings of innovation and creativity, allowing traditions to radiate the brilliance of the times. In this new era and new stage, there must be a vigorous advancement in artistic creation, the production of artistic products, and all aspects of innovation, striving to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of Chinese culture, responding to the challenges of the times with the attitude of 'Reform Mission.' It necessitates building bridges for exchange and mutual learning, making culture the link that connects the world. In this new era and new stage, Hong Kong must fully leverage its role as a 'super-connector,' merging global trends and the grandeur of Chinese culture, allowing Chinese culture to shine and innovate through exchanges and mutual learning."
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