On August 21, the photography exhibition Beyond the Lens and the Eastern Essence, Symbiosis of All Things Contemporary Chinese Painting Exhibition opened at China Cultural Center in Stockholm. Jointly hosted by China Cultural Center in Stockholm, the China Photographers Association, and the Li Keran Academy of Painting Art Research Center，the opening drew a full house of guests from the arts, culture, and other fields, who gathered for an artistic journey of photography, painting, and cultural exchange.
The exhibitions explore the cultural landscapes and artistic expressions of China and Sweden through photography and painting. Beyond the Lens features over 60 works by Chinese and Swedish photographers, capturing everything from grand landscapes to everyday life and the stories behind the lens. Eastern Essence, Symbiosis of All Things presents over 30 works in ink wash, mineral pigments, heavy-color painting, and gongbi (meticulous brushwork), showcasing Eastern aesthetics through tradition and innovation.
At the opening, Swedish photographer Daniel Fredholm shared his photographic journey and his perspectives on China through the lens for Beyond the Lens. Professor Zhang Gan, an expert in Chinese art history and theory and a faculty member of the Department of Art History and Theory at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, then delivered remarks for Eastern Essence, Symbiosis of All Things, sharing his reflections on art and culture with the audience.
Following the opening ceremony, the participating photographers engaged with guests in close conversation, sharing insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their works. Wang Jing, Vice President of the Li Keran Academy of Painting and curator of the exhibition, then led guests through the exhibition, offering an in-depth guided tour. Several participating artists also joined the event to sharing the intentions behind their works and the stories behind them.
Here, the lens and the brush came together, with art becoming a starting point for connection and dialogue. The event concluded on a warm and vibrant note, with guests enthusiastically engaging in artistic exchange.
