Shanghai and Hamburg Celebrate 40 Years with Artist Exchange
(A Hamburg – Shanghai Artistic Dialogue)
In anticipation of the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Shanghai and Hamburg, a landmark artist exchange program titled “From Huangpu River to Elbe River” will take place in Hamburg in September 2025. The initiative brings together leading artists from Shanghai and Hamburg to foster intercultural dialogue and celebrate the longstanding partnership between the two vibrant port cities.
The sister-city bond, established in 1986 through the efforts of former Shanghai Mayor Jiang Zemin, has evolved into a symbol of dynamic Sino-German cooperation. As the anniversary approaches, this exchange event highlights the shared commitment to cultural understanding and mutual development, aligned with broader frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
A Celebration Through Art
The program will feature a series of high-profile events including artist lectures, collaborative exhibitions, and public forums:
- September 18: Works by six artists from Shanghai and Hamburg will be presented at the National Day Reception Celebrating the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, organized by the Consulate General of China in Hamburg.
- September 20: Opening of the Shanghai-Hamburg Art Exchange Exhibition at the Pashmin Art Gallery, featuring collaborative works by six artists from both countries.
- Public Exhibition: From September 22 to October 3, 2025, the works of the artists will be on display at the Pashmin Art Gallery, open to all interested visitors.
Distinguished Participants
The artist delegation includes:
- Li Lei – Professor at Shanghai Theatre Academy and leading figure in Chinese abstract art.
- Lu Lan – A US-trained artist known for her East-West fusion style.
- Jiang Hai Cang – A Shanghai-based artist known for his abstract figurative pieces
- Natalja Nouri – German artist whose cosmic-themed work explores the micro-macro relationship of life and the universe.
- Michael Knepper – Renowned German artist, whose distinctive works blend realism, hyperrealism, and pop art with abstract motifs full of layered symbolism.
- Lionel Machris – German artist who has dedicated himself to fine art photography, particularly using 24-carat gold. Each artwork is unique, printed with specially treated gold leaves.
Organizational Support
The event is jointly organized by the Shanghai Foreign Culture Association and the Pashmin Art in Hamburg. Liaison Office in China, with co-organization from the Shanghai Xingfu Li Cultural and Art Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai Dawei Culture, and Pashmin Art Consorcia in Germany.. Supporting Institution from Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.
A Prelude to a Historic Milestone
As 2026 approaches, marking four decades of collaboration between Shanghai and Hamburg, this artistic exchange aims to ignite public imagination, deepen cultural ties, and set the tone for the anniversary year. Through the universal language of art, both cities reaffirm their commitment to cultural diplomacy and mutual respect.
Media Contact:
Hili Zhou Huang (Chinese Department)
Pashmin Art Consortia. Gotenstr. 21, 20097 Hamburg, Germany
+49 (0) 40 / 69 21 98 99
info(at)pashminart-management.com
