President of the Russian Academy of Arts ZK Tsereteli donated the Peace sculpture to the Chinese Museum

During the visit to China, the delegation of the Russian Academy of Arts, headed by President Z.K. Tsereteli visited the National Museum of Fine Arts of China. The program consisted of official negotiations, which were attended by Russian Ambassador to China Andrei Ivanovich Denisov, Deputy Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China Dong Wei, Director of the National Museum of Fine Arts of China Wu Weishan, famous figures of art and science of the People’s Republic of China.

During the talks, the initiative of Z.K. Tsereteli was voiced about the possibility of opening a branch of the Russian Academy of Arts in China. An Agreement on cooperation between the Academy and the Museum was signed, which implies the holding of an annual extensive program. This laid the foundation for long-term cooperation between Russian painters, sculptors, and art historians. Z.K. Tsereteli emphasized that many Chinese students study at academic art institutes in Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, which contributes to maintaining the traditions of cultural interaction between our countries. This is another evidence of world recognition of the Russian art school.

Photo - S. Shagulashvili

For many years of promoting the development of cultural ties between Russia and China, Z.K. Tsereteli was elected adviser for international cooperation of the National Museum of Fine Arts of China. In response, the famous sculptor donated to the museum a sculpture “Peace” created by him, symbolizing Russian-Chinese friendship. It consists of two hands supporting a dove with wings spread. “One hand is Russia, the other hand is China. And the dove of peace is the most famous symbol of the world, a very beautiful image, ”Z.K. Tsereteli noted in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Deputy Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China Dong Wei in his speech recalled that this year, when the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the war against fascism and in the war of resistance of the Chinese people to Japanese aggression is celebrated, exhibitions of artists of the two countries devoted to this great date were held in Moscow and Beijing. He also emphasized that the task of art is to strengthen the desire of peoples for peace. The sculpture of Z.K. Tsereteli calls not to weaken efforts along this path. The Chinese side turned to Z.K. Tsereteli with a proposal to make a personal exhibition in the museum.

As part of a special educational program, a workshop was held by Z.K. Tsereteli for students of art schools and professional artists.