A dream come true as Rewi Alley exhibition held in NZ capital
Directed by Zhou Shengjie. Shot by Zhou Shengjie. Edited by Zhou Shengjie. Subtitles by Zhou Shengjie and Andy Boreham.
The Rewi Alley Memorial Exhibition opened on Friday evening local time in Wellington, New Zealand. For many it was an opportunity to learn about a man who has come to symbolize relations between New Zealand and China, and for others it was a dream come true.
The exhibition, curated by artist couple Deng Bangzhen and Lu Bo, is the culmination of years of work for the pair who has long dreamed of hosting an exhibition on their hero, Rewi Alley, in the capital of his home country.
They have a long history with Alley, who passed away in 1987 after living in China for 60 years.
Deng and Lu give a speech at the opening of the exhibition, calling on more Kiwis to bring their artwork to China in order to foster more understanding and friendship.
Painter Deng was fostered by Alley at the age of 9. His wife, Lu, is a sculptor. She first met Alley at the age of 19 after being introduced by Deng, and went on to create many statues of the man, many of which are located all around New Zealand.
Their exhibition aims to educate New Zealanders on Alley, who went from hero to villain and back to hero again in the eyes of ordinary Kiwis.
Lu feels that art can transcend differences and act as a conduit for understanding and friendship.
"We came to New Zealand in 1991 to show the people here about China and about Rewi Alley," she told Shanghai Daily. "I sincerely hope some Kiwis will do the same thing as us and bring some New Zealand art to China so that ordinary Chinese can see and feel more of this country."
Ambassador Wang Xiaolong makes a speech at the opening of the Rewi Alley Memorial Exhibition in Wellington.
New Zealand China Friendship Society President Chris Lipscombe says Alley's spirit is as important today as ever.
Shanghai Daily's Andy Boreham gives a speech at the opening of the exhibition in Wellington.
The event was hosted by the New Zealand China Friendship Society, in association with the New Zealand Friendship for Peace Society and the Chinese embassy in Wellington.
New Zealand China Friendship Society President Chris Lipscombe said it is important to remember Alley's spirit of friendship, especially today.
"At a time when geopolitical tensions are increasing and the differences between nations are hardening, let's remember that throughout his life, Rewi Alley campaigned for international friendship and peace," he said.
Chinese ambassador Wang Xiaolong (left) and Sir David Carter look around the exhibition.
A notebook owned by Rewi Alley, featuring his poetry, is on display at the exhibition.
Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Wellington, Wang Xiaolong, also attended the opening.
"Mr Alley is well-known and deeply loved in China," the ambassador said. "As a towering internationalist with great love for the people, he will always be remembered, and the rich and precious legacy and spirit he left behind is highly worth inheriting."
Volunteers from the New Zealand Friendship for Peace Association prepare for the exhibition. Most are around 65 years of age.
