In an event of high diplomatic and cultural significance, the Capital Library of China in Beijing hosted the exhibition by the Ecuadorian master, highlighted by Asian press as a fundamental bridge between both nations.
BEIJING – Chinese television and the country’s leading cultural media gave extensive coverage to the opening of Miguel Betancourt’s exhibition “Lines and Transparencies”. The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture of China and the Embassy of Ecuador, was held within the framework of cultural exchange agreements following President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Ecuador in 2016.
A Dialogue Between the “Andean Skin” and Rice Paper
The coverage highlights how Betancourt, a “renowned master in Latin America,” carefully selected 34 artworks in watercolor and acrylic that explore five thematic axes: trees, architecture, landscapes, figures, and installations.
A detail that captured the attention of the Chinese press was the use of local materials. The Ambassador of Ecuador to China, José Borja, noted that Betancourt paid tribute to ancient Chinese culture by incorporating Xuan paper (traditional Chinese rice paper) into his creations, a material the artist obtained during his participation in the Beijing Biennale in 2015.
High-Level Diplomatic Support
The importance of the exhibition was reflected in the attendance of prominent figures:
- Representatives from the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs of China.
- Executives from the China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG).
- Ambassadors from over ten countries, including Algeria, Cuba, Colombia, Bolivia, Uruguay, Chile, and Costa Rica.
A Window into Ecuadorian Culture
For Chinese media, Betancourt’s work is not merely aesthetic; it is an “important window” for the Beijing public to gain a deep and direct understanding of the essence of Ecuadorian art. Critics highlighted his ability to merge local cultural motifs with Western artistic techniques, creating a visual narrative that transcends borders.
