CCTV9英语新闻：Traditional Chinese folk masks showcased in Europe

Traditional Chinese folk masks have become the focus of a new art exhibition in Brussels. The show tries to merge the east and west by using classical Chinese imagery in domestic settings in Belgium.

 

The Chinese and French artistic duo Benoit and Bo have launched their happy heads exhibition here in Brussels. It's a series of photographs of people wearing the traditional Chinese masks in everyday settings around Brussels. In a bar say. Or simply in a domestic setting.

 

"It's a way for me to bring my part of Chinese culture in Europe because I used to live for a long time in China. And people are very positive with these masks. They feel free when they wear these masks," Artist Beniot said.

 

And for Bo, the masks represent memories from home.

 

"Ceremony, festivity, and all the joyful messages and joyful background," Artist Bo said.

 

The happy heads exhibition is being displayed and launched at the China Cultural Centre of Brussels and has attracted both the local Chinese community and Europeans.

 

"I think that east and west needs to connect and I think it does in this exhibition," A visitor said.

 

"With all the photography, the photos, they just show us the living life, the daily life, so it makes me feel happy," A visitor said.

 

Benoit and Bo moved their studios from Shanghai to Brussels two years ago and while their photographs are now on display, the artists say they will continue to use the happy heads in future projects.

 

Benoit and Bo have launched this exhibit in their new hometown of Brussels but they say they hope to take now across Europe.