160 entries shortlisted for the “Colourful World” China-Russia Youth Painting Exhibition

Review has wrapped up for the “Colourful World” China-Russia Youth Painting Exhibition and the Beijing Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition.

In April 2025, the BPAFFC launched the call for entries for the “Colourful World” China-Russia Youth Painting Exhibition and the Beijing Youth Painting Invitational Exhibition, together with the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, the Beijing Federation of Literary & Art Circles, the Information Office of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, and Gehua Media Group. The exhibitions are designed to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and celebrate peace and friendship. Since April, a total of 460 entries have been received from young Chinese and Russian artists.

On the morning of July 4, 80 outstanding works submitted by Chinese artists and 80 by Russian artists were selected after on-site expert review. The panel of experts was composed of Li Ronglin, professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Sun Lixin, member of China Artists Association’s National Artistic Creation Committee on Major Themes (member of Beijing Artists Association’s Artistic Creation Steering Committee on Major Themes and former director of the Artistic Creation Office of the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution), Andrey Kasyan, division director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, as well as consultant Gao Lei.

The panelists spoke highly of this year’s painting exhibition, noting that it marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The exhibition revolves around cultural exchanges between China and Russia and calls for peace and friendship, thus holding both historical significance and great immediate relevance. The shortlists cover a diverse array of themes and perspectives, highlighting historical reflection and showcasing the diverse cultures of China and Russia and the people’s aspirations for a better life. These works are mostly created by young professional artists and university students studying oil painting. They feature sophisticated techniques and a high artistic level.