by Xinhua writer Shao Haijun
ROTTERDAM, the Netherlands, April 25 (Xinhua) — Soft spring sunlight filtered through a skylight into an art studio here on Friday afternoon, where visitors gathered for the First Sino-Dutch Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibition.
Artists from China and the Netherlands presented their perspectives through diverse works, demonstrating how art can transcend language barriers and foster mutual understanding, particularly at a time of increasing geopolitical divisions.
Jointly organized by the EurAsian Culture Exchange Stichting (EACES) and the Orange Tree Art Project (TOT) Foundation, the exhibition features more than 30 works, including paintings and sculptures, by over 20 artists from China and the Netherlands. It opens to public from April 24 to May 17.
Among the works on display, a landscape painting by Dutch artist Francisca Tollenaar drew particular attention. The piece depicts a vivid scene of radiant sunlight, towering mountains, golden earth, winding paths, and clustered houses-her “impression of China”.
“I don’t know if it’s accurate,” she explained, “I have never visited China before”. Tollenaar created the work while living in the mountains of France. “I listen to the mountains and feel connected to them, and they carry my imagination of China,” she told the visitors.
In contrast to Tollenaar’s imagined landscape, Chinese artist Song Jia offers a response rooted in contemporary reality. Her work, Meeting When the World Is Divided, reflects the fragmentation and uncertainty of nowadays’ world through bold symbolism. Red and blue represent rationality and emotion, while two figures stand hand in hand against a fractured background. A circular element inspired by a traditional diabolo toy connects them.
“In a divided world, people need to hold hands even more,” she said.
“We are interested in how individual experiences can be understood and felt across cultural contexts,” said Henk de Bont, chief curator of the exhibition, emphasizing that the exhibition is not intended as a simple comparison of cultures, but as a platform for resonance.
Visitor Cai Jing, who carefully viewed each artwork and volunteered as an interpreter, described the experience as “more like a conversation across culture than a traditional exhibition,” adding that “we can understand and inspire each other.”
The exhibition also marks a new phase of institutional collaboration. At the opening ceremony, EACES and the TOT Foundation formally established a sister-organization partnership, committing to long-term cooperation in contemporary art and cultural exchange between China and Europe.
According to Anna Ramsair, founder of TOT, the foundation focuses on providing space and opportunities for contemporary artists while fostering connections both within and beyond the art world. EACES, founded in 2022, aims to promote artistic exchange between Asia and Europe, particularly between China and the Netherlands.
“We built mutual trust early on and wanted to continue working together. That’s what led to this agreement,” Ramsair said, noting that the two organizations had first connected several years ago and previously co-organized an exhibition in Beijing.
“We see this exhibition and cooperation agreement as a starting point for long-term dialogue between Chinese and Dutch artists,” said Jan Stap, founder of EACES. “Art allows us to see the world from different perspectives. Through that process, understanding and connection emerge.”
Looking ahead, Ramsair outlined plans to expand collaboration through artist residencies and joint exhibitions. “I would love to take a group of artists to China, especially to ceramic centers,” she said. “I work with ceramics myself, and Chinese craftsmanship is exceptional–I want to learn from it firsthand. At the same time, we hope to bring Chinese artists here and exhibit their work. It’s about creating together, in both places.”
Stap also referenced a line written more than a century ago by British author Rudyard Kipling: “East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.” At this exhibition in Rotterdam, “artists are offering a different answer through their work-one that suggests that while cultures may differ, understanding remains within reach.” he noted. ■
