On October 25th, the opening ceremony of the “Maritime Silk Road City” Art Exhibition featuring Hungarian artist Zoltán Gábor Fodor Lenkai took place at the Ningbo Museum of Fine Arts in Zhejiang, China. The exhibition showcases his “Ningbo Series,” a collection of works that reflect the artist’s perspective of China, embodying elements of Maritime Silk Road culture.
In recent years, as the Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen, cultural, artistic, educational, and economic exchanges between China and Hungary have become increasingly robust. Ningbo, a significant starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage, actively promoting cultural exchanges and collaborations with countries and regions involved in the Initiative. Hungary, an important country in Central and Eastern Europe, is renowned globally for its unique historical and cultural charm.
Zoltán, who hails from Hungary, is a member of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Cadiz, Spain, and a recipient of the Hungarian Republic’s Golden Cross of Merit. He was invited by Ningbo and made his debut visit to China in 2023.
“I am deeply interested in Eastern and Western cultures, and I’m especially fascinated by China’s ancient culture,” Zoltán shared during the exhibition.
He described the “Ningbo Series” as a tribute to China’s natural landscapes and cultural spirit, consisting of six large-scale paintings titled “Earth,” “Love,” “Peace,” “Purity,” “Silk Road,” and “Sky.” Through a blend of abstract and figurative styles, each piece conveys a distinct theme. For instance, “Earth” explores the relationship between Chinese people and their land, while “Love” symbolizes the warmth between individuals and the significance of family. Additionally, “Silk Road” employs traditional Chinese colors, red and gold, to depict a trade route throughout history.
As part of this celebration of art and culture, Zoltán gifted a painting titled “Hometown” to the Ningbo Museum of Fine Arts. He explained, “In this painting, the varied backgrounds reflect elements of Hungary’s history and culture. I hope viewers can gain insight into Hungary through this artwork.”
“Zoltán’s unique artistic perspective and exceptional skills bring us a series of works centered around Ningbo. Through these artworks, we can experience artistic resonance amid different cultural backgrounds,” said Xia Qiuyun, Vice Chairman of the Ningbo Federation of Literary and Art Circles.
This event is part of a series of activities connected to the 9th Zhejiang Book Fair, the 2024 Maritime Silk Road Cultural and Tourism Expo, and the 2024 Ningbo International Tourism Exhibition, organized by the Ningbo Municipal Government’s Foreign Affairs Office, the Ningbo Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the Ningbo Cultural Tourism Exhibition Group.
