Science fiction as a bridge, mutual learning of civilizations! Chinese and Italian art masters gather in Nanshan to launch a grand feast of cultural exchange
On November 22nd, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, the "Sino Italian Art Masters International Exchange Series" grandly kicked off at Baoneng Taikoo City in Shekou, Shenzhen. This event is hosted by the Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Bureau and Shekou Street Office, organized by Nanfeng International, and planned and organized by the SCIENCE & FANTASY GROWTH FOUNDATION. With the theme of "Science Fiction and Imagination", it invites leaders from Nanshan District, top science fiction experts, artists, scholars, and nearly a hundred citizen representatives from China and Italy to gather together. The event not only brings about a deep collision of cross-border wisdom, but also creates an immersive cultural experience that can be felt and touched, vividly showcasing the open and inclusive temperament of Nanshan as an international innovative urban area, and allowing cultural interaction between China and Italy to flourish on the fertile land of Pengcheng. This cross-border event integrating science fiction exhibitions, art exchanges, and Italian style experiences will last until December 6th, creating an immersive cultural journey for citizens that is "beautiful, fun, delicious, beneficial, and meaningful".
Peak Dialogue Science Fiction, Sino Italian Wisdom Collision Spark
At 2:30 pm, the atrium on the second floor of Baoneng Taikoo City North District became lively, and guests signed in one after another to experience the atmosphere of cultural integration between China and Italy in advance. At around 3 o'clock, the event officially kicked off after warming up the warm-up video. The HUI fashion show took the lead, with models dressed in clothing that integrated Chinese and Italian design elements walking slowly. The swaying skirts seemed to tell the dialogue between two civilizations, injecting a sense of fashion and art into the scene.
The person in charge of Shekou Street Office in Nanshan District delivered a welcome speech. He stated that as a "bridgehead" for reform and opening up, Shekou promotes international cultural exchange and mutual learning with an open and inclusive attitude. This event is a tribute to the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. In the future, Shekou will build a cultural tourism and leisure destination in the Greater Bay Area, establish more international cultural exchange platforms, and contribute cultural strength to the construction of an innovative urban area in Nanshan.
The person in charge of the Nanshan District Committee (Government) Office stated in their speech that Nanshan has a deep cultural resonance with Italy: "Milan, as the international fashion and design capital, has always connected the world with an open attitude; Nanshan, as the forefront window of China's opening up to the outside world, also continuously gathers global resources with an international perspective, allowing different civilizations to collide and resonate here
Francesco Walso, a legendary figure in Italian science fiction and a three time winner of the highest award in Italian science fiction, the Urania Prize, then took the stage and passionately shared his eight year friendship with the Chinese science fiction community: "I have always believed that science fiction is the perfect language for cross-cultural communication. It allows us to cross national borders and language barriers, and talk freely about our aspirations and concerns for technology and the future of humanity
On site, Italian illustrator Lorenzo Ala and Asia's first Hugo Award winning illustrator Zhao Enzhe conducted a live painting exhibition. Lorenzo Ala delicately outlines the "robot wearing Hanfu" with delicate brushstrokes, skillfully blending Eastern fashion aesthetics with science fiction elements; Zhao Enzhe quickly painted two spaceship works in just 10 minutes, with smooth and precise lines, showcasing his exquisite painting skills and attracting admiration from the audience.
The subsequent guest discussion session was thought-provoking, showcasing the brilliance of cross-cultural wisdom. Wu Yan, a professor at Southern University of Science and Technology and director of the Center for Science and Human Imagination, interpreted the differences and complementarity of science fiction imagination between China and Italy from the perspective of cognitive science: "Chinese science fiction is rooted in the philosophical tradition of 'unity of man and nature' and the cosmology of 'observing astronomy to observe the changes of time'; while Italian science fiction inherits the spirit of space exploration from Dante's Divine Comedy, emphasizing the 'poetic existentialism'. This diversity is our hope for solving complex problems
Nicola Libelati, an associate professor of philosophy at Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Italy, has put forward profound thoughts from a philosophical perspective: "Today's innovation is not only about creating new technologies, but also about reshaping our way of life and self-awareness. The many problems we face are no longer simply technical issues, but rather humanistic issues of 'how technology and human values intertwine'." Raphael Paul Cooper, the representative of the Italian China Council Foundation in China, said that he will take this event as an opportunity to further promote economic, trade, and cultural ties between Nanshan District in Shenzhen and Italy, and fully support Shenzhen's construction of an international cultural exchange hub.
Subsequently, the activity entered the core launch moment. Under the joint gaze of all the guests, the leaders and representatives of Chinese and Italian artists took the stage together. With the countdown of "3, 2, 1", the device instantly lit up with dazzling lights, and the series of international exchange activities between Chinese and Italian art masters officially kicked off. After the launch ceremony, masters from China and abroad such as Francisco Walso, Lorenzo Ala, and Zhao Enzhe led guests to stroll through the "Sino Italian Art Masters Science Fiction and Imagination Works Exhibition", sharing their creative ideas while visiting, and interpreting the cultural connotations and inspiration stories behind each exhibit in detail, allowing everyone to intuitively feel the sparks of Sino Italian art collision. It is reported that the exhibition will last until December 6th, showcasing classic science fiction works by masters from both countries and original works by young creators, delving into excellent science fiction narratives from non English speaking countries.
Immersive experience of Italian style and interactive transmission of cultural warmth
After the launch ceremony, various experience areas in the north of Baoneng Taikoo City quickly became popular gathering places, where participants of different ages and nationalities could fully experience the charm of cultural integration between China and Italy. In the Italian style experience area of the atrium on the second floor, the combination of fireworks and artistic atmosphere is perfect: the aroma of Italian appetizers is overwhelming, the richness of Parmesan cheese, the richness of salami, and the unique flavor of blue cheese interweave, paired with the crispness of soda crackers, the refreshing color of bell pepper strips, and the freshness of arugula, cleverly balancing the heaviness of meat and cheese; Handmade ice cream has a dense texture, with a mix of sweet and sour flavors, paired with rich espresso or wine, allowing the taste buds to instantly encounter the authentic charm of the Apennine Peninsula.
The staff dressed in distinctive costumes shuttle through the experience area, and the Venice Mask Parade is performed brilliantly. They occasionally take photos with the participants as mementos. In the face painting area of the experience zone, a Chinese Italian art teacher is leading a group of Chinese and foreign children to create on site. The children are freely expressing their imagination on the plates, using ingredients to make smiling faces, which has attracted praise from onlookers.
The Italian football experience area in the sunken plaza of Taikoo City North District is also extremely popular. Italian football coaches dressed in professional sportswear enthusiastically explained football techniques to participants, saying, "When passing the ball, pay attention to the strength and use the inside of the foot to push the ball" and "When shooting, maintain balance and aim for the dead corner of the goal", demonstrating while speaking. A few children studied exceptionally seriously, practicing repeatedly with the coach's movements. Although the movements were still immature, their eyes were full of focus and persistence. Fun interactive games such as "obstacle dribbling" and "parent-child passing" have attracted many families to participate. Parents and children cooperate with each other and experience the joy of football through laughter and joy. Mr. Li, a citizen who participated with his child, said, "I rarely have the opportunity to experience professional teaching of Italian football. Today's activity was particularly good, and the child had a great time
The Italian sports car selection exhibition on the first floor square of the North District is a feast for the eyes of car fans. The Ferrari sports car brought by the Bohao Supercar Center was showcased, with its streamlined body lines flowing smoothly and beautifully, attracting many viewers to stop and take photos for check-in. The on-site welfare activities are also popular. Many citizens hold exclusive cards, collect seals at various stages, participate in exhibitions, taste food, and experience interaction to collect seals and participate in lucky draws. Customized merchandise such as limited edition T-shirts, design canvas bags, and high-value umbrellas for the Zhongyi event will make everyone feel fulfilled, and the setting of winning benefits while playing will continue to warm up the atmosphere on site.
Exploring the Future from a Sci Fi Perspective, Cultural Exchange Continues to Rise
At 4:30 pm, the "Future Vision - Science Fiction Salon of Chinese and Italian Artists" was held on time in the atrium of the second floor of Baoneng Taikoo City North District. Four Chinese and foreign artists, including Francisco Walso, engaged in brief exchanges with live science fiction literature enthusiasts on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence ethics and space exploration. They shared inspiration and narrative techniques for science fiction creation, sparking ideas from different cultural perspectives and bringing a condensed feast of science fiction ideas to the audience. In the evening, the salon came to a close in a lively atmosphere, bringing a successful conclusion to the day's activities.
It is reported that there will be many exciting events following this event. On November 23rd, the "Poetry and Tea Symbiosis - Italian Poets' Oriental Tea Party" will explore the gentle collision of Eastern and Western cultures in the fragrance of tea and poetry. "Boundless Colors: A Painting Covenant between Chinese and Italian Illustrators and Youth" will build a bridge of friendship for young people from China and abroad; The "Italian Artists in Schools" event will also visit campuses such as Guiwan School of Qianhai Innovation Education Group in Nanshan District, allowing science fiction spirit to nourish the growth of young people. Hengyu Xiangyueli Sub venue will also hold Sino Italian Food Festival, Intangible Cultural Heritage Fish Lantern Tour and other activities to continue to bring cross-cultural surprises to the public.
This cultural feast celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy is not only a vivid display of the open and inclusive temperament of Nanshan International Innovation City, but also a cultural gift to all citizens. In the next ten days, let's continue to meet in Nanshan, in the world of science fiction and art, to experience the unique charm of Chinese and Italian culture, unlock infinite possibilities for future imagination, and deepen the beautiful friendship of mutual learning between the two civilizations through exchanges.