The Hague, 15 October 2025 — The China Cultural Centre in The Hague hosted the opening of the Netherlands stop of the International Touring Exhibition of Contemporary Chinese Paper Art, titled “Zhiyu Qiannian · Yiyun Huazhang” (Millennial Language of Paper · Symphony of Artistic Elegance). The event gathered over 70 distinguished guests from the cultural and artistic communities of China and the Netherlands.

The opening ceremony was attended by Yu Jian, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Henk Kool, Chairman of the World Trade Centre The Hague Foundation, former Deputy Mayor of The Hague and former Chairman of the Netherlands–China Association; Qin Ting, General Manager of Zhongchuan Creative Exhibition (Beijing) Cultural Development Co., Ltd.; and Curator Xiao Huang, along with representatives from Dutch cultural organisations, art institutions and media.

 

Paper as a Cultural Bridge Across Civilisations

 

Paper, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China, is not only a medium for recording human civilisation but also a bridge for cultural exchange between East and West. Supported by the China National Arts Fund (CNAF), this exhibition presents over 80 works from more than 50 contemporary Chinese artists, showcasing the expressive power of paper through material experimentation, paper sculpture and installation art. Many works also creatively integrate Western visual languages with Eastern spirituality, offering fresh insights into the role of paper in contemporary art discourse.

 

Artistic Dialogue Between East and West

 

In his opening remarks, Counsellor Yu Jian highlighted the historical journey of paper from China to Europe, noting that “the story of paper is a witness to the interaction and mutual learning of civilisations. These works not only inherit traditional craftsmanship but also embody contemporary cultural reflection and artistic innovation.”

Henk Kool, a long-time advocate of Sino–Dutch cultural exchange who has visited China 35 times, shared his impression of the exhibition:

“I must admit that before entering this exhibition, my understanding of paper art was very limited. Yet precisely this unfamiliarity makes today’s cultural encounter deeply meaningful. The China Cultural Centre is not merely a venue; it is a bridge of friendship that connects people.” He encouraged the Dutch public to engage further with Chinese culture and philosophy.

Qin Ting, General Manager of Zhongchuan Creative Exhibition, said:

“It is a great honour to bring this chapter of Chinese aesthetics to the Netherlands. We hope this exhibition will build a lasting cultural platform between Chinese and Dutch artists, encouraging long-term artistic exchange.”

Curator Xiao Huang guided the audience to rethink the rich artistic potential of paper:

“In this exhibition, paper is more than a material – it is a cultural memory, a temporal passage, and a spiritual medium that connects the past and the future. Through paper, we rediscover the emotional resonance between humans and civilisation.” On behalf of the artists, he presented the paper-based work Between Sky and Water No.27 as a donation to the China Cultural Centre in The Hague, symbolising the enduring connection of Sino–Dutch cultural dialogue.

 

Innovation Rooted in Tradition

 

The exhibition has received enthusiastic responses from visitors. Viewers were captivated by expandable paper sculptures that reveal dynamic spatial beauty; others paused before archaeology-themed installations exploring memory and time through fragmented materials. Many Dutch artists expressed admiration for the Chinese artists’ profound exploration of a single material—paper—calling the works “refreshing, poetic, and intellectually engaging.”

The exhibition not only revitalises the spirit of the Silk Road in a contemporary artistic context but also brings new cultural vitality to The Hague, a city known for peace and dialogue. It offers audiences a rare opportunity to witness the contemporary transformation of traditional Chinese culture.

 

This exhibition opened to the public several days prior to the ceremony and has already attracted significant attention among the Dutch public and art community, promoting deeper artistic exchange between China and the Netherlands.