The name says it all. Combining various aspects of creativity and nature, the first CNAP (Culture, Nature, Arts, and People) Exhibition opens on June 22, 2007. The exhibit focuses on artistic expression of the natural environment and will run through June 28 at the Dr. Gallery, in the Jiuchang art area.
Sponsored by the International Bamboo and Rattan Innovation Center (IBRIC), the multicultural exhibition will be a charity event. Funds raised will go towards projects related to Culture, Nature, Arts and People, including the Cultural Development Center for Rural Women. The opening will host a range of activities for public enjoyment, including a live auction of selected works open to public bids. The auction includes 10 paintings contributed by Austrian artist, Gernot Fischer, who will present a brief lecture on his work on Friday.
Activities are scheduled throughout the afternoon and last throughout the evening, with natural food and drinks for sale at the exhibition. A children's open drawing competition begins at 4pm, after a wushu performance. A welcome address made by CNAP Project Director, Nadine Steurer, will begin the 3pm reception.
Steurer arrived in Beijing this February. Shortly after her arrival, she began an internship with IBRIC in cooperation with her university in Krems, Austria. "A lot of people talk about the problems (in the natural environment) but there is little down about it," Steurer said. By spearheading the CNAP program, Steurer aims to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, in addition to facilitating sustainable alternative solutions.
Steurer's recent study of Taichi has allowed her to invite local Beijing masters to give a short demonstration at the CNAP opening. She's designed the event in the hopes that attendees will participate and engage with the artists involved as much as possible. A dance performance accompanied by handmade bamboo instruments will also take place at 6pm.
CNAP is being produced in cooperation with organizations such as the Confucius Institute Vienna, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Fengliang International Training and Arts Center, Hutong to Highrise, and Greening the Beige. By bridging different groups of the local and global community, Steurer hopes to establish a lasting resource for cultural arts programs relating to China's natural environment.
The major aim of CNAP is to celebrate nature in the artistic tradition of Chinese culture. The exhibition is open to the public daily throughout its duration, 2pm to 8pm.
Dr. Gallery, Jiuchang art zone, Beihuqu, Chaoyang District. 135-0119-5781, 131-6166-1304,5202-3878. 博士画廊, 朝阳区酒厂国际艺术园,京承高速望京科技园出口北湖渠桥
(China Daily 06/20/2007 page16)
