Exhibition of paintings on Tibet opens in Rome

ROME, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition of paintings by Han and Tibetan artists opened here on Friday, giving the Italians and other Europeans an opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional customs of China's Tibet.

A visitor looks at a picture on display at an  exhibition of paintings by Han and Tibetan artists in Rome, capital of Italy, Oct. 23, 2009. The  nine-day exhibition kicking off here on Friday  features 60 paintings depicting the extraordinary landscape of China's Tibet and the region's social and economic development, giving the Italians and other Europeans an opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional customs of China's Tibet. (Xinhua/Luo Huanhuan)

The nine-day exhibition, held in the Venice Palace in downtown Rome, features 60 paintings depicting the extraordinary landscape of Tibet and the region's social and economic development.

"The exhibition of the Snow-Covered Plateau -- Chinese Painting Works opened today in Rome, a city with profound cultural heritage and outstanding artistic achievements," Wang Chen, minister in charge of the State Council Information Office of China, said at the opening ceremony.

China and Italy have witnessed a long history of cultural communications, and the exhibition of the art works on Tibet was the continuation of such exchanges and highlighted the connotation of the new era in bilateral friendly relations, he said.

"It is of special significance in pushing forward bilateral cultural exchanges and promoting friendship," said the Chinese official.

"Art is a common language of the mankind and paintings are the most direct way of communications," Wang said.