Opening of the exhibition “Chinese Happy Heads in Brussels”
From March 29 to April 21, the China Cultural Center will be hosting the exhibition “Chinese Happy Heads in Brussels”, a project of international artist duo Benoit+Bo. On this occasion, an official opening took place on Tuesday, March 28, in presence of the two artists and prestigious guests.
Benoit is French and Bo is Chinese. Both are inspired by their own culture to create mixed and contemporary works. Through the exhibition “Chinese Happy Heads in Brussels”, the duo invites us to share a moment of the daily life of several Brussels citizens. Wishing to work about anonymity and stereotype, they chose to present the inhabitants hidden under a mask. These “Happy Heads”, masks from folkloric and traditional Chinese culture, display bright and shimmering colors and their expressions reflect welcoming and smiling faces.
The opening of this exhibition was an opportunity to discover a little more the universe of the two artists, present to expose the fruit of their collaboration.
“We are more than happy to be exhibited here, thanks to the successful collaboration between the China Cultural Center and CENTRALE for Contemporary Art. Our Happy Heads opened doors for us: thanks to them, we managed to enter people’s home, to discuss with them, and to offer them a new experience!”, said enthusiastically Benoit+Bo.
Mr. Tan, director of the China Cultural Center, underlined some relevant aspects of the artists’ work: “The Happy Heads, smiley and cheerful, are precisely what we need in these troubled times. We need to be remembered to keep on smiling to life, to keep on hoping and most importantly to keep on sharing, sharing hope and joy”, “Benoit+Bo are letting Chinese folk culture into the daily life of the inhabitants of Brussels which summarizes quite accurately the mission of the China Cultural Center”.
By ending his speech with a call to Belgian, European and Chinese artists to reach out to the Center for more fruitful collaboration, director Tan also confirmed once again his willingness to promote and develop artistic projects and exchanges between the two cultures.
More than 100 guests enjoyed the opening and prieviewed the series of photographs exhibited. Top-level guests included Mr. Richard Fournaux, Mayor of Dinant, Mrs. Karine Lalieux, Deputy Burgomaster for Culture at the City of Brussels and Mrs. Fol, artistic director of the CENTRALE For Contemporary Art.
Discover also in the gallery the pictures of the winners of the lucky draw, that took place during the opening!
The exhibition “Chinese Happy Heads in Brussels” will be hosted by the China Cultural Center until April 21st, 2017.
Video reportage on English CCTV
Video reportage on CCTV French
Opening hours
Monday to Friday according to the opening hours of the Center.
Closed on Easter Monday, 17th of April
Free entry
