One World
International Print Art Exhibition, Canada, China, South Korea, USA

The 2008 Beijing 29th Olympiad is a grand cultural occasion for China as an economic and political power. The participation of China, Canada, South Korea and the United States and in the international print exhibition One World is a reflection of the Olympic values of promoting international exchange and cultural diversity. It will be held at the Amelie Art Gallery in Beijing from July 12th to August 14th, 2008. Twelve highly representative artists each from China, Canada, the United States and South Korea will shine together for the first time here at 798, a center for the arts in China and Asia as a whole. The ancient and highly refined printmaking art form links these people from different nations, cultures and belief systems to join in the glory of the 2008 Olympic Games! Asian countries such as China and Korea have long and distinguished histories, while Canada and the United States are immigrant countries whose cultures have absorbed the cultural roots of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and South America. Aside from the long history of Native American culture, the histories of Canada and the United States span for less than five centuries. Five hundred years is equivalent to the history of printmaking in Europe, a technique that was invented in and imported from China. This exhibition, founded on the principles of respect for the histories of all countries and focused on the theme of "One World" is an expression of the state of existence for mankind in the global sense and the challenges that we all face together.

In the works of these artists from around the world, viewers will be able to see linguistic, cultural and aesthetic differences, as well as resistance to the homogenization of lifestyles under the pressure of globalization. We can see that behind the enchantment of exotic locales lay the threats of environmental degradation and genetic mutation. We can see that self-identity is lost and pursued in the entangling of history and modernity, East and West. And the Chinese works reflect the humanist sentiment that exists within a nation on the rise and a society in the midst of change¡­ The artists lead us on a broad geographic and cultural journey through their personal perspectives, showing us a magnificent contemporary society and a window to the soul as they mysteriously point to the future. It is like a journey through the universe from the microscopic to the macroscopic, bringing us together to face and care for our shared planet.

In the works to be featured at One World, ancient legends mix with modern deconstructive narratives, and historical depictions go hand in hand with contemporary ideas. While it focuses on the traditions of printmaking, it also presages the most advanced technology of the digital era, contrasting the changing of the times. Print creation is believed to be an extension of the creator's thoughts, body and soul, and the artists of One World are at the forefront of the art fields in their respective countries. No matter how rich and complex the content, they have all transcended the limitations of aesthetical taste and the medium of expression, further expanding the rich meanings of One World.

This artistic event, especially for its first exhibition in China, has met with enthusiastic support from a wide range of international partners, including officials from the Canadian Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Cultural Heritage and academic persons from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts and the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. The 12 Chinese artists participating in the event, Guang Jun, Tan Ping, Su Xinping, Yang Yue, Zhou Jirong, Zhang Guanghui, Kang Jianfei, He Kun, Li Xiaolin, Song Guangzhi, Zhong Xi and Wang Jiazeng are representatives of the most outstanding achievements in Chinese contemporary printmaking. Beginning with China in 2008, a most extraordinary time for the country, the One World International Printmaking Exhibition will tour Canada, the United States and Korea through 2010.

Other participating artists:
Canadian:
Ed Porter, Robin Smith Peck, Scott Goudie, Peter MacWhirter, Bob Hanstock, Anna Syperek, J¨¦rome Fortin, Jeannie Thib, Tania Willard, Denise Comeau, Otis Tamasauskas, Annie Pootoogook.
South Korean:
Jungwoo Hong,Min Jung Kang, Jongchul Lee,Junghun Kang,Miro Kim,Bora Jin,Jonghan Lee,Jungsuk Lee,Jong Myung Kim,Munbae Lee,Young Ae Lee,Im Sung Ha
USA:
Michael Connors, Deborah Cornell,Lise Drost, Yuji Hiratsuka,Karen Kunc, Dot Krause,Kore Loy McWhirter, Hugh Merrill,Gordon Mortensen, Juergen Strunck, Caroline Thorington, Melanie Yazzie