Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region’s Cultural and Tourism Department in collaboration with China Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka celebrated the Cultural Week that represented the cultural identity of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. The Cultural Week which began on January 16 had programs organized around the country with the participation of many varieties of artistes. Music, dance, paintings and calligraphy exhibitions brought the notion of a unique ‘intangible cultural heritage’ of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Paintings of Sri Lankan artists who visited China - Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was also on display. The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka organized this initiative as a prelude to the upcoming ‘Happy Chinese New Year’ series of events, celebrated by all Chinese nationals around the world, in February.
The exhibition of calligraphy and paintings represents the significance of the Ningxia region and was a good exercise to cultivate one’s temperament. Traditional Chinese painting is influenced by the works of a countless number of artists evolved over the centuries into an art subdivided into some common traits.
The paintings depicted the two varieties of expression. One is the form of art which liberally use ink, and the other is the meticulous brush work characterized by strict and detailed representation of the subject. Interestingly, symbolism is the point of attraction of both traits.
The handicrafts at the exhibition recalled the legends, history and the social trend in folk handicraft. These markings of civilization today, appeared to be creative and innovative. Similarly, it showed how Chinese handicrafts emerged once they conquered Nature in more than thousands years. These multiform artworks are testimony to Chinese wisdom on the different regional legends throughout history.
The Chinese Paper cuttings at the exhibition captured the attention of many in the audience. They observed the incredible imaginations cut on a single piece of paper. This hollow out art was mainly in forms of plants and animals, and reflected how the Chinese cherish Nature and their perspective towards life. Some even related interesting Chinese mystic stories.
It only needs simple tools, such as an engraving knife, a pair of scissors and paper, and of course, skill and experience. Paper cutting falls into many categories according to the sticking places and the functions.
The cuttings are different in form depending on the places where they are stuck, such as window, door, wall, roof and light. It differs according to the occasion, e.g. marriage or special festivals.
Many are used during the New Year and marriage ceremonies, to spread happiness all around. Once a cutting is done, it is fastened to a white sheet and placed above candle light to make the pattern appear on the sheet by smoking. Chinese paper cutting is not only decorative but also a way of expressing emotions.
Ningxia Traditional Performance and the acrobatics at the end of the program wowed the audience with young children from the Ningxia region brilliantly performing the difficult steps in acrobatics.This extraordinary performance included feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. The elements of acrobatics are associated with gymnastics, circus, Wushu, ballet and diving.
These Chinese traditional performances represented old cultures that echo through the centuries. The cultural show ended with wonderful instrumental and opera singing which brought the notion of pure Ningxia ancient music showing how music could purify people’s minds.