A modern Spanish touch

Spanish artists have strengthened the history of the arts with such great names as Velazquez, Goya and Picasso. Now contemporary artists from Spain will greet Beijing with their realistic oil paintings at the Beijing World Art Museum.

Gabriel Casarrubios and Antonio Ramrez are versed in impressionist landscape in radiant color schemes. Angil Ruiz de la casa captures well the park-and-waterside scene under the Mediterranean sunshine. Miguel Peidr recalls his memories of the deep valleys of his hometown. And Andrea Maseda, the youngest woman artist of the group, expresses her love for people with portraits and figure paintings. The common feature of the works is the focus of warm light and exuberant colors. Inspired by the natural scenery of the country, the artists employ painting as a way to convey their calm and delight.

Spanish contemporary artists, especially those of the late 19th century, have reached their prime by carrying forward the achievements of their predecessors with realistic and impressionist attempts. Thanks to official support from the government, artists were sent to France and Italy for further study during that period where they developed their distinctive national character.

The ongoing classic painting exhibition, at the same venue, from the precious collection of the Simn Foundation, got a boost with the visit of Prez Simn last week, the initiator of the foundation. "I am excited to enjoy these masterpieces together with Beijing people," said Simn. "I cherish great love of the brilliant Chinese culture and philosophical ideas."

"The show, with its 100 exhibits created by such 19th century masters as Leighton, Turner, Corot, Munch, Renoir, Pissaro and Moore, is a conversation between history and the present, as well as the eastern and western civilization."

The show is dominated by figures of elegance and beauty. Landscapes by Corot, Monet and Munch can also be seen.

Wu Liping

9 am-5 pm, contemporary Spanish painting show until May 5; Precious Collection of Simn Foundation until June 8

Beijing World Art Museum, China Millennium Monument, A9 Fuxinglu, Haidian District, 中华世纪坛世界艺术馆6851-3322

(China Daily 04/05/2008 page6)