Feature: Int'l painting exhibition evokes WWII reflection,aspiration for peace

"The past 70 years have witnessed tremendous progress in the cause of advancing world peace and development. Yet, the vision enshrined in the UN Charter has not been fully realized. There are still attempts to deny aggression, negate history, challenge international justice and defy human conscience. The world is far from being a tranquil place," Yang said, calling on people to strive to pursue and safeguard peace.

Russian meritorious artist Kudrevayi Mikhail, who participated in the exhibition with a painting showing soldiers feeding a baby with water at the ruins of war, said that people who were killed in war did not die in vain.

"They had done everything for our peaceful life. Their feat is in our hearts. I want to tell by my art-no war! I hope for a peaceful future for young generation," he said.

He added that art cannot solve the political and economic problems, but it can touch the human soul, to make it more sensitive and kind.

French artist Bernard Rebatet, who heard about the WWII stories from his parents, said he had been living for many years in Reunion, a French island located in the Indian Ocean. And in this island, all cultures are presented and mingled with harmony.

"My art transcribes this fusion of colors, minds and cultures, and is fed with this harmony that exists in Reunion. I am proud to share with you all this sensitivity in the heart of this event connecting people on the universal theme of peace," said the artist.

The exhibition was hosted by the Mission of China to the European Union, the European Parliament, the International Union of Artists for Peace, and China International Culture Association.