Facing other cultures

She says the facial expressions of people outlined in artworks show people's shared feelings of happiness, anger and sorrow. "Staring at these faces, we are connected with our past."

She says the works also reflect the common issues of human society, such as the coexistence with nature and healthcare, thereafter arousing discussions among their viewers about how to extend communications and cooperation further.

Works on show are categorized by country, and curators from each of the featured SCO members was designated to select the pieces for each section. They are either directors of art colleges, scholars who are on good terms with the artists or artists in their own right.

Su Dan, another co-curator in general of the exhibition, says Chinese and Russians account for the largest number of artists on show, with a wide range of ages and a noticeable variety of styles presented. He says it shows an influence of the two nations' roles in the international community on their respective art landscapes back home.