In anticipation of the 40th anniversary of the friendship city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg in 2026, an artist exchange exhibition titled From Huangpu River to Elbe River is underway at Pashmin Art Gallery in Hamburg through Oct 3.

Jointly organized by the Shanghai International Culture Association and Pashmin Art Consorcia, the exhibition highlights decades of cultural exchange between the two port cities, which have been friendship cities since 1986 and share strong economic and cultural ties.

The exhibition brings together Chinese artists Li Lei, Lu Lan, and Jiang Haicang with German counterparts Natalja Nouri, Michael Knepper, and Lionel Mach.

Their works blend Eastern traditions and Western techniques, weaving cultural depth, narrative richness, and innovative materials to embody the spirit of both the Huangpu and Elbe rivers.

Chinese artist Li Lei said the exhibition reflects both the beauty of Chinese ink painting and the rational expression of German art, with cross-cultural collaboration inspiring new creative ideas.

Yang Yan, a representative of the Shanghai International Culture Association, described the event as a vivid dialogue between Shanghai's Haipai culture and Hamburg's diverse creativity.

Parvati Vasanta from Hamburg's Senate Chancellery noted that the exhibition serves as a fitting prelude to next year's 40th anniversary celebrations, highlighting art's role as a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding.

The opening ceremony on Sept 20 drew more than 300 German guests from various walks of life. Following the opening, the exhibition is open to the public from Sept 22 to Oct 3.

Sources: Wenhui Daily, thepaper.cn