On the afternoon of July 11, themed "When the Belgian Kingdom of Comics Meets the Chinese Home of Comics," the Belgium-Zhongshan Comic Cultural Exchange Exhibition officially opened at the Zhongshan Cartoon Museum. The exhibition will run until October 9, offering free admission for citizens and visitors to explore the charm of comic art.
Marking the 54th anniversary of China-Belgium diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Guangdong-Limburg sister province relationship, the exhibition is co-hosted by the Zhongshan Foreign Affairs Bureau, the Zhongshan Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau, and the Consulate General of Belgium in Guangzhou, fostering a wonderful artistic dialogue between Belgium—the "Kingdom of Comics"—and Zhongshan—the "Hometown of Comics."
The exhibition showcases a collection of classic and contemporary Belgian comics, including globally celebrated titles such as "The Adventures of Tintin" and "The Smurfs," as well as contemporary masterpieces like "Dickie" and "A Comic Strip Tour of Belgium." Renowned for their distinctive visual language, keen social observations, and profound artistic traditions, these works fully demonstrate the narrative tension and visual innovation of Belgian comics.
On the Zhongshan side, drawing from the treasured collections of the Zhongshan Art Museum (Zhongshan Cartoon Museum), the exhibition presents masterpieces by renowned Chinese cartoonists such as Huang Miaozi, Fang Cheng, Jiang Yousheng, and Fang Tang, as well as exceptional works by local artists. Together, these works underscore Zhongshan's rich cultural heritage and vibrant creativity.
By juxtaposing Belgian classic narratives with Zhongshan's local humanistic themes, the exhibition creates a mutual dialogue between the two artistic traditions, vividly showcasing a new image of integration and coexistence. As visitors admire these stylistically distinct works, they experience both the transcultural visual power of comic art and its unique aesthetic appeal. This exhibition thus stands as a testament to the friendship and artistic exchange between the two regions.
Photo | The Consulate General of Belgium in Guangzhou, Nanfang Plus
Editor | Zheng Yiling (intern), He Zhen (intern), Wei Shen, James, Shen He
