Artists from China, U.S. hold exhibition for World Environment Day

Flying egrets, slothful capybaras, mighty llamas are just some of the works presented by a Chinese and American artist duo after they visited Ibera Wetlands, Argentina. The exhibition is being held to highlight environmental issues.

"A Summer Rendezvous," which opens in east China's Xiamen City on Saturday -- two days before World Environment Day on June 5, features 45 pieces of work by painter Liu Zhong and photographer Steven Rockefeller Jr. The exhibition was co-organized by CCAIO (Chinese Culture & Art International Organization).

Liu and Steven went to the Ibera Wetlands Provincial Nature Reserve in March 2016 for seven days. Elegant and slender marsh deer, howler monkeys, and Argentina's national emblem the rufous horneroes all come alive in works by the two artists. 

Liu said he used his work as a platform to reflect on environmental protection. "As an artist, I have the responsibility to advocate actions that make our environment better," Liu said. "Only in a sound environment can we produce beautiful works; in return, beautiful works propel us to create a sound environment."

This is the second time Liu and Steven have worked together. In 2015, the pair spent a week in Jackson, Wyoming, to capture the natural charm of western America.

"Liu and Steven's works manifest Argentina's picturesque natural scenery and Argentineans' unremitting awareness of environmental protection," said Liu Dawei, chairman of China Artists Association. "Through communication and exchanges, Liu and Steven are exploring the mission and responsibility of artists," he said.

Gong Tingyu, vice chairman of the International Council for Caring Communities, said the exhibition transcends art and stands as a declaration of support for environmental protection and lives."The governments and people of China and the United States both care about environmental protection. Our efforts to improve the environment will be bound to benefit all human beings and Earth," Gong said.