My Asian Home’ Exhibition Showcases Children’s Art in Shanghai

The international children’s painting exhibition “My Asian Home: A Date with Shanghai” opened on Friday at the China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace, showcasing 350 artworks selected from over 2,000 submissions by young artists aged 5 to 15 from 10 nations, according to the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

Exhibition Details and Public Viewing Schedule

The exhibition marks the 70th anniversary of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. The featured artworks were created by children from China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan.

The first phase runs from Aug 9 through Sept 1 at a pop-up space near the south entrance of Shanghai Library East. The exhibition will then move to the plaza of the China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace from Sept 2 to Sept 30.

Cross-Border Cultural Exchange Through Art

Consular representatives, partner organization delegates, and young painters attended Friday’s opening ceremony. Indrananda Abeysekera, president of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation, praised the initiative for providing a vital platform for youth to connect through art.

“Through their paintings, we can see their hopes for a peaceful world,” Abeysekera stated, noting that several works depicted aspirations for economic prosperity and social stability. He suggested that similar exhibitions could be hosted in other countries to amplify children’s voices.

Ten-year-old participant Ngan Rou Xi from Malaysia contributed a piece titled The Blooming Garden, which merges iconic flora and landmarks such as Malaysia’s hibiscus and Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower. Her father, Zen Ngan, noted that the family’s first visit to Shanghai included a tour of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, where they observed traditional paper-cutting and ink-painting styles.

Infrastructure and Urban Evolution in Shanghai

For Abeysekera, the event also highlighted Shanghai’s rapid development. Having first visited China in 1988 and traveled to the city more than 20 times since, he pointed to noticeable improvements in local infrastructure, quality of life, and international engagement.

According to Abeysekera, Shanghai has established expanded opportunities for young people from around the world to showcase their skills, develop their talents, and gain a broader understanding of the global community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the My Asian Home exhibition located?

The exhibition is displayed in two phases: first at a pop-up space near the south entrance of Shanghai Library East from Aug 9 to Sept 1, and subsequently at the plaza of the China Welfare Institute Children’s Palace from Sept 2 to Sept 30.

How many artworks are featured in the exhibition?

The exhibition showcases 350 artworks selected from more than 2,000 submissions.

Which countries are represented by the young artists?

Artworks are contributed by children from 10 Asian nations, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan.