NEWS RELEASES
EXHIBIT OF CHINESE MASTERPIECES FINAL EVENT OF CANADA'S YEAR OF ASIA PACIFIC
December 19, 1997 No. 215
EXHIBIT OF CHINESE MASTERPIECES
FINAL EVENT OF CANADA'S YEAR OF ASIA PACIFIC
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today announced the last event of Canada's
Year of Asia Pacific (CYAP), a special exhibition of China's finest modern scroll
paintings, which will open on December 20 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
in Hull.
"This unparalleled exhibit of modern Chinese masterpieces is a fitting way to cap
off a remarkable year," said Mr. Axworthy. "As Canada hosted its APEC partners at
meetings throughout the year, Canadians from coast to coast took part in nearly
700 events to celebrate Canada's Year of Asia Pacific. This participation and the
generous cultural contributions by Asia Pacific countries have exceeded all
expectations, creating a dynamic legacy for the future."
"Masterpieces of 20th Century Chinese Painting" was organized by the Canadian
Foundation for the Preservation of Chinese Cultural and Historical Treasures, a
charitable organization dedicated to the conservation of Chinese antiquities
through the use of Canadian conservation technology. The CYAP cultural program
also supported this initiative by providing $40 000 in funding.
This collection, which is being shown for the first time outside China, features
58 scroll paintings by some of the most influential Chinese artists since 1900.
The exhibit will be on display in Hull until February 22, 1998.
"It makes us proud to be able to do this for Canada," said Nelly Ng, voluntary
chair of the Canadian Foundation for the Preservation of Chinese Cultural and
Historical Treasures. "The significance of this exhibition lies not only in its
artistic strengths, but also in that it promotes understanding through cultural
endeavour," said Dr. Ng.
The national capital region is the final destination of a three-city exhibit tour,
which included the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto (August 21 to October 13) and
the Vancouver Art Gallery (November 21 to December 8). The Vancouver opening,
which coincided with the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, was attended by President
Jiang Zemin of China, Mr. Axworthy, and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qian
Qichen. To date, an estimated 100 000 people have viewed these works in Canada.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Debora Brown
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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