We are delighted to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China through this exhibition. For friends from Belgium and Europe, understanding Chinese culture is no easy task—it requires genuine effort. China possesses a unique history, culture, philosophy, and traditions, which are distinctly different from those of Europe. The venue of this exhibition, the Winland Center in Hangzhou, provides an apt contemporary context for such understanding.

Situated along the 2,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the main structure of the building respectfully steps back 30 meters, humbly making way for the neighboring millennium-old Xiangji Temple. This gesture avoids the imposing pressure of high-rise buildings, allowing modern architecture and ancient faith to complement each other within the urban fabric, where tradition and the future shine in harmony. Today, it has become a hub for contemporary art and diverse lifestyles, opening a new window to understanding the depth and breadth of Chinese culture.

Similarly, understanding Europe is not an easy task for the Chinese people. Artists from our two countries serve as bridges to overcome these challenges, fostering mutual understanding and acceptance. One of the best ways to better understand China is to experience it firsthand and make friends. And what could bring hearts closer than cultural and artistic exchanges?

In 2012, after engaging with Chinese students at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Liège in Belgium, I visited China for the first time. It was then that Liangchen Qu, founder of ADGY, and I conceived the idea of establishing long-term artistic exchanges. Today, this vision is becoming a reality. In recent years, several Belgian artists have participated in residency programs organized in China by ADGY and Freestart, drawing inspiration from the local natural landscapes, urban scenery, and interactions with residents. These artists departed with a renewed understanding of China—a testament to the profound resonance of cultural exchange.

Regardless of the era or ethnic background, people have a need to express themselves. This need is undoubtedly closely tied to their living environment and personal experiences. It is precisely this that gives rise to differences in artistic creation among different peoples. No matter where artists come from, they share the same need to present, through their work, a worldview based on their personal experiences—what they know or "believe they know."

Contemporary artists, whether from China or Europe, experience the same doubts, anxieties, and joys in their artistic practice. However, the differences lie "hidden" in the individuals behind the canvas—each with their own joys and sorrows, history, and personal universe. Within the personal history of each artist lies the human element that validates their creative endeavors.

This exhibition showcases the painting works of contemporary Belgian artists, offering a "snapshot" of the Belgian contemporary art landscape, particularly its painting art today.

In closing, I would like to quote the artist Wassily Kandinsky:

"Painting is an art, and art as a whole is not aimless creation flowing in a vacuum. It is a force whose goal must be the development and refinement of the human soul. Please do not forget that behind each 'work' stands a man or woman trying to share their problems, feelings, and life."

Daniel Sluse

Former Director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of Liège, Belgium