Since the French Year was unveiled in China last Oct., about 200 events has been organized to demonstrate the new charm of France to Chinese people.

Under the frame work of the French Year, the "French May" French Cultural Festival Hong Kong has invited a number of Chinese artists to join in the events, which is a very first trial of the French Year in China.

From dance to music; from art to exhibition, almost all are presented together by Chinese and French artists. Showing a mixture of French and Chinese culture, art exhibitions that follow one another have become highlights in "French May."

Free admission to some of the exhibitions reflects the effort given by the organizer, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, in widening the public's art space.

French people generally think that only if a country keeps nurturing masters in the field of arts and culture, the living atmosphere and aesthetic pattern can be changed. Therefore, France has long become the apotheosis of the cultural niche.

France has shown its cultural strength in "French May", and at the same time allowing Chinese artists chances to participate in the activity, which has demonstrated the cultural etiquette of French people.

The University of Hong Kong has carved out a large space for Chinese and French artists by holding exhibition -- "Encre/Chine" which explores the theme of East-West synthesis. Influenced by Eastern literature and philosophy, the works of French painter Jean Degottex have besprinkled strong Zen Buddhist overtones.

It has been rare in the arts history of Chinese and French that painters from the two countries jointly present their works. This not only helps create a chance for painters to exchange their ideas, but also brings Hong Kong a new notion and vision -- "art in one."

Both French and Chinese artists are including traces of the other side's culture in their art works. Chinese painters are combining Chinese calligraphy and Western painting together to a modern genre of art which presents the similarities and differences between art works of the two different culture.

French painter Charles Chauderlot, who moved to China in 1997, received an "exceptional invitation" from the Chinese authorities in 2002 to spend two years painting in areas of the Forbidden City that are closed to the public.

Chauderlot's affection to China has entirely in poured into the some 80 paintings depicting Beijing and the Forbidden City, which give the audience a refreshing feeling.

Apart from art painting, "French May" also presents 10 films which were produced in Asia by French directors; New star of classical music, French violinist Tedi Papavrami joined hand with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta to bring the audiences into the 19th century's European music salon.

The French side will feature some programs to introduce the food and entertainment to Hong Kong public such as "Cuisine and Cabaret at Cafe des Artistes" on June 1, which also aims to celebrate the consummation of "French May."

The large number of exciting events presented by the French side help further emanate the charm of French culture and introduce the public the outcome of the nice and refreshing combination of Chinese and French culture, which is one of the main aim of the organizer.
 
(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2005)