Exuberant, bedazzled Pakistani truck art reaching hearts in China
by Liu Qiyu
LANGFAN, Apr. 28 (China Economic Net) - In Pakistan trucks are not just trucks. They can be art. Everything about Pakistani trucks is exuberant and over-the-top. And now they make it to China.
To celebrate the National Day of Pakistan and the Year of Tourism Exchanges between China and Pakistan, a Pakistani Truck Art Debut Exhibition themed “Phool Patti: Jingle Journey” kicked off at Silk Road International Arts Center, Langfang, China on April 28.
The dazzle of truck art from Pakistan won the hearts of Chinese visitors by its beautiful and artsy look and the deeply rooted tradition behind it.
“I like it!” A Chinese college student enjoying the art on site told the reporter. She learned that Pakistani trucks are more than just trucks. “These vibrant, bedazzled trucks are an expression of Pakistani people - they’re travelling billboards that convey messages to the world.”
“Somehow you can sense the drivers and the artists who decorate their vehicles,” she added, since this colourful tradition celebrates their culture and their way of life. “These moving, tangible pieces of art featured Pakistan's unique identity did wow me.”
Addressing the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque pinpointed that the event is part of the efforts aimed at building a close and culturally rich “China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future” in the new era.
“Termed as ‘Art on Wheel” by many, this artistic expression represents cheerfulness, optimism, appreciating the beautiful aspects of nature and seeing life in its brightest and positive way,” the ambassador pinpointed, wishing the audience a wonderful experience of rich cultural medley from Pakistan.
"Truck art has never been shown in China. I think this exhibition will be a rare opportunity to allow more people in China to know and appreciate this art form which is full of national characteristics," said Yang Zhi and Yang Hui, organizers of the exhibition.
Co-organized by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Beijing, and Silk Road International Arts Center, the exhibition will last to July 24. As part of a cultural exchange project between both countries, the exhibition features a series of commissioned works and large-scale site-specific works, live events, along with educational programs.
“Our goal is to promote Pakistani Truck Art in China with our local audience, present the values and celebrate the shared human experience through the transformative power of art,” source from Silk Road International Arts Center told China Economic Net, adding that they seek to uncover the full potential of digitizing Pakistani rich cultural heritage and foster a sense of community and connection.
（Editor:Liao Yifan）
