The opening ceremony for the “Brushstrokes of Harmony: Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition” celebrating 75 years of Hungary-China diplomatic relations was held on October 1, 2024 at JATIK, University of Szeged. The exhibition is co-organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, the School of Chinese Studies and Exchange at Shanghai International Studies University, and the Museum of World Languages of Shanghai International Studies University.
Forty teachers and students of Chinese calligraphy and painting from Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged in Hungary, Confucius Institute at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, and Shanghai International Studies University in China, contributed 105 pieces of works to the exhibition.
Attending the ceremony were Vice-Rector of the University of Szeged and Hungarian Director of the Confucius Institute, Prof. Dr. Péter Zakar; Director of the Szeged Center of Vocational Education, Ms. Margit Erdélyi; Vice Director of the Szeged Center of Vocational Education, Ms. Márta Gyömbér; and Director of Eötvös High School and Primary School, dr. Tibor Gera.
Wang Rui, the Chinese Director of Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, and Erika Vékony, a student representative of the calligraphy and painting class of the Institute for five years, hosted the event.
2024 marks several significant anniversaries: the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Hungary-China diplomatic relations, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the 20th anniversary of Confucius Institute Day, the 12th anniversary of the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged, and the 5th anniversary of Eötvös High School and Primary School as a Confucius Classroom.
2024 also marks the 75th anniversary of Shanghai International Studies University (SISU). To celebrate this occasion, the exhibition featured a special collection of works from SISU teachers and students. Additionally, law students from SISU participating in the University of Szeged’s renowned Gateway program were present at the ceremony.
Vice-Rector Prof Dr. Péter Zakar addressed the audience, congratulating Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) on its 75th anniversary. He praised the Institute’s effort to unite art enthusiasts from three countries, expressed gratitude to all the contributors, recalled his visit to Shanghai, and encouraged the audience to enjoy the beauty of traditional art forms and celebrate the many successful collaborations of Hungary-China cultural exchange and enduring friendship.
During the ceremony, the winners of Confucius Institute’s inaugural “City of Sunshine” Calligraphy and Painting Contest were announced. Teachers and students from Budapest Business University, the University of Szeged, Eötvös High School and Primary School, and Kossuth Primary School received the top prizes.
Teachers from the Confucius Institute at the University of Szeged performed the classic zither piece 'Fighting Typhoon' and showcased a martial arts demonstration.
After that, visitors enjoyed guided tours led by Edit Vekony and Nora Liu, participated in a lotus painting demonstration and calligraphy experience with the exhibition contributors, and savored Chinese mooncakes and tea.
The exhibition will be on display at TIK until October 10, after which it will be divided into two parts and move to Somogyi Library and the Confucius Institute, remaining open until the end of the month. Lectures on Petőfi, as well as Chinese paintings and calligraphy will accompany the exhibition. Follow the Institute on Facebook for more details.
Original English text by Wang Rui, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute (University of Szeged).
Photos by Ádám Kovács-Jerney
