At a time when China and the United States are seeking new ways to strengthen mutual understanding, a recognition ceremony for contemporary Chinese artist Yi Ming offered a reminder that cultural exchange can often connect people where political dialogue alone cannot.
Yi Ming received an Artistic Achievement Award during the China-US High-Level Think Tank Dialogue held in Beijing on May 27. The event, themed “Expand people-to-people ties, foster mutual trust in China-US relations”, was jointly organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under the China International Communications Group and The Carter Center, the US-based nonprofit organization founded by former president Jimmy Carter.
The award was presented by Ralph Winnie Jr., director of the East Asia Program at the America-Eurasia Center and vice-president of the America-Eurasia Art Foundation and the US Asian Cultural Academy.
According to the award citation, Yi was recognized for his contribution to promoting dialogue among cultures through a distinctive artistic language that combines traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary visual expression.
While the think tank dialogue focused on broader issues in China-US relations, many participants viewed the award as a reflection of the growing importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in maintaining communication between the two countries.
“Cultural exchange serves as both a stabilizer and a catalyst in China-US relations,” said Christopher Hobbs, deputy director of Peace Programs at The Carter Center. “Outstanding artists such as Yi Ming use creativity to build bridges of friendship and help deepen mutual understanding between our peoples.”
The dialogue was held as China and the United States seek to build a “constructive relationship of strategic stability”, a new positioning for bilateral relations following recent high-level engagement between the two countries. Against that backdrop, participants emphasized that people-to-people exchanges, including cultural and artistic communication, remain essential to building mutual understanding beyond policy discussions.
Art, they noted, occupies a unique position within that process. Unlike policy discussions, artistic expression often transcends language, political systems and cultural backgrounds. Through visual imagery, music, literature and other forms of creativity, artists can communicate shared human experiences that resonate across borders.
Yi”s artistic practice reflects that philosophy.
Over the years, he has developed an artistic approach that draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture while engaging with contemporary international art. His work incorporates elements of Chinese ink painting, calligraphic aesthetics and philosophical concepts, while also embracing abstraction and modern visual language.
Having participated in artistic exchanges in countries including France, Italy and the United Kingdom, Yi has sought to create works that remain rooted in Chinese cultural traditions while speaking to global audiences.
His ink paintings often reinterpret traditional themes such as landscapes, flowers and birds through contemporary forms of expression. Meanwhile, his oil paintings explore broader questions concerning nature, humanity, time and the universe.
Rather than presenting fixed narratives, his works invite viewers to engage through their own experiences and cultural perspectives.
Speaking after receiving the award, Yi said he believes the true value of art lies not only in innovation, but also in its ability to create understanding among people.
“Art is a universal language,” he said. “Its value is not limited to formal expression. It can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers and create deeper connections among people from different backgrounds.”
He added that abstract art, in particular, allows audiences greater freedom to interpret meaning according to their own cultural experiences and imagination.
“That openness is what enables art to become a bridge between different cultures and different ways of seeing the world,” he said.
Following the ceremony, Yi donated one of his artworks to the China International Communications Group for its permanent collection. The donation was accepted by Li Yafang, president of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, who said the artwork would further support cultural exchange and international communication initiatives.
Observers pointed out that cultural interaction has historically played an important role in China-US relations.
Art alone cannot resolve complex geopolitical challenges, participants acknowledged. Yet it can help foster empathy, curiosity and mutual respect — qualities that are often difficult to achieve through political discourse alone.
For Yi, that remains one of the most meaningful responsibilities of an artist.
“I hope more American friends can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and aesthetics through my work,” he said. “At the same time, I hope Chinese audiences can appreciate the diversity and vitality of American culture through continued exchanges. In the future, I will continue to create works that carry both Chinese cultural spirit and a global vision.”
His recognition in Beijing served as a reminder that while countries may differ in history, culture and political systems, the language of art continues to offer a powerful means of connection — one that begins not with policy, but with people.