On January 16, 2025, the 2025 Belgian Culture & Art Season "Time's Texture: Belgian Contemporary Art Exhibition" — hosted by Beijing Jiade Art Center and Hebei Linkong Group, and co-organized by Ardennes Cultural Development Co., Ltd. and the Artwork Bonded Warehouse of Beijing Daxing International Airport Comprehensive Free Trade Zone — grandly opened at the Jiade Art Center in Beijing. The exhibition showcased works by 16 leading Belgian artists, offering a rich display of Belgium’s contemporary artistic landscape. Let us revisit the highlight moments of the opening day.
On-site at the opening ceremony, Bruno Angelet, Ambassador of Belgium to China, stated:
"I am deeply impressed by the organizers’ efficient work — it is truly remarkable to see such an incredibly vibrant Belgian contemporary art exhibition come to life in such a short time. Art, in my view, is the best medium to convey Belgian culture to the world: it allows people to enter a realm of imagination and creativity. We see this exhibition not only as a window to showcase Belgian art and culture globally, but also as an opportunity to further strengthen China-Europe cultural exchanges through art."
Ding Ling, Vice Mayor of Langfang Municipal Government and Secretary of the Party Work Committee & Director of the Management Committee of Langfang Lin'gang Economic Zone, stated:
"Today, it is my great honor to witness the opening of the 2025 Belgian Culture & Art Season alongside all of you. Both China and Europe boast profound cultural heritages and artistic resources, and cultural cooperation is flourishing — it is a growing trend to 'use culture as the stage and industry as the performance.' This exhibition aligns perfectly with Langfang Lin'gang Economic Zone's 定位 as a functional carrier for international exchanges under Daxing Airport. We hope to leverage this opportunity to further build a high-quality platform for global cultural and artistic integration — especially for China-Belgium art exchanges — and jointly achieve the goal of 'blending the charm of art, the diversity of culture, the promotion of industry, and the prosperity of the economy.'"
Ma Xuedong, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Jiade Art Center, shared:
"Cultural exchange is the thread that weaves nations into a shared story. On behalf of Jiade Art Center, I am honored to partner with Hebei Linkong Group to present this exhibition — a collection of 16 Belgian artists’ masterpieces that blend profound skill with bold individuality. Each brushstroke, each material texture here is a portal for Chinese audiences to explore Belgium’s contemporary art scene. As a platform rooted in Beijing but open to the world, Jiade Art Center has always believed in the power of art to connect. We look forward to collaborating with global cultural institutions, turning exhibitions like this into milestones of Sino-European cultural exchange — not just today, but for generations to come."
Daniel Sluse, Former Dean of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Liège (Belgium), stated:
"Belgium and China carry distinct histories, philosophies, and traditions — yet artists are the unbroken thread weaving these heritages together. In recent years, many Belgian artists completed residencies in China, drawing inspiration from China’s mist-cloaked mountains, bustling alleyways, and the quiet wisdom of its people. This exhibition presents not just paintings, but a living portrait of Belgian contemporary art — diverse, layered, and deeply human. I invite you to step closer: beyond the canvases, discover the individuals behind each brushstroke — their journeys, their joys, and the moments that shaped their art. Because art, at its core, is never just about technique — it’s about sharing a piece of one’s soul."
Qu Liangchen, Founder of ADGY Cultural Development Co., Ltd. and the Artwork Bonded Warehouse of Beijing Daxing International Airport Comprehensive Free Trade Zone, stated:
"Today, we launch the Artwork Bonded Storage & Exhibition Program — China’s only annual international artwork bonded exhibition — which will build an innovative platform and provide seamless services for Sino-foreign cultural exchanges. As a company rooted in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, ADGY Culture seizes the strategic opportunity of regional integration to advance cultural exchanges between Chinese and European cities along the Belt and Road. This Belgian contemporary art exhibition, alongside our bonded warehouse’s EU-China exchange programs, showcases the charm and depth of diverse cultures through unique artistic languages — from Daniel Sluse’s time-weathered installations to Nathalie Corthay’s poetic brushstrokes. By hosting such exhibitions, we not only deepen mutual understanding and friendship between China and Europe but also foster cultural fusion — contributing our part to building a shared future for humanity."
During the event at Jiade Art Center in Beijing, dignitaries and honored guests jointly officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of the Artwork Bonded Warehouse of Beijing Daxing International Airport Comprehensive Free Trade Zone.
From left to right:
Qu Liangchen — Founder of ADGY Cultural Development Co., Ltd. and the Artwork Bonded Warehouse of Beijing Daxing International Airport Comprehensive Free Trade Zone
Bruno Angelet — Ambassador of Belgium to China
Ding Ling — Vice Mayor of Langfang Municipal Government, Party Secretary and Director of the Langfang Airport Economic Zone Administration
Daniel Sluse — Former Dean of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Liège (Belgium)
Didier Denayer — Wallonia Region Commercial & Technology Consul at the Belgian Embassy in China
Exhibition site
