Two exhibitions, "Under the Same Sun" arts and crafts from Latin America and "Latin Gaze" photography, of the "Latin America in Hong Kong" festival were held at Hong Kong Cultural Center on Tuesday.

Colorful traditional dress, hand-made baskets, handbags, festive masks, decorative hanging mats and wooden plates together expressed the culture of Latin American countries which represented the characteristics, originality and creativity at the "Under the Same Sun" crafts exhibition.

The exhibition at the same time illustrated the work of craftsmen who express the traditions of the indigenous communities, producing work which has much to say about their values, customs, aesthetics and individual characters.

On the other side of the exhibition venue, visitors were able to enjoy the beautiful scenes of Latin America. Gorgeous sunset view from the old port of Antofagasta of Chile, wonderful beaches in Brazil, and the legendary Lake Titicaca of Peru, all of them illustrated the everyday life of Latin American geography, people and objects, through the eyes of a foreigner.

Lee King-hin, a photographer as well as a traveler, who captured the pictured shown in the exhibition said the photographs give people a chance to interact with our culture and the common things from everyday life.

"Different countries in Latin America has their own characteristics, in Brazil, you will be able to meet many passionate people, while in Argentina, you will experience the melancholy of Tango," said Lee.

Lee expressed his hope that the exhibition can arouse their interest in knowing more about Latin American culture and encourage Hong Kong people to think of traveling around Latin American and explore more about the countries there.

The month-long "Latin America in Hong Kong" festival is co-launched by GRULAC members, which comprise the consulates of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela in Hong Kong.

Other activities to be staged during the festival, including rooted music, festival on the beach, flea market and some other cultural events.
 
(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2004)