Russia and BRICS. A journey through different cultures in the name of cultural diplomacy at the Russian House in Rome – Carlo Franza’s blog

Multipolar cooperation, diversity, cooperation and integration, these are the key words of the inauguration of the international exhibition “Russia and BRICS countries in the cultural dimension: THE NEW ART OF THE NEW WORLD”, at the …

Russia and BRICS. A journey through different cultures in the name of cultural diplomacy at the Russian House in Rome – Carlo Franza's blog

Multipolar cooperation, diversity, cooperation and integration, these are the key words of the inauguration of the international exhibition “Russia and BRICS countries in the cultural dimension: THE NEW ART OF THE NEW WORLD”, at the Casa Russa in Rome. The event, organized under the patronage of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Italy, represents a cultural initiative that brings together works of art – paintings and sculptures – from BRICS member countries, including Russia, Brazil, China, India, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia. The works have been carefully selected by the diplomatic representations of these countries, offering an exhibition that highlights the artistic diversity of the new multipolar world order.

This initiative coincides with Russia’s presidency of the BRICS, assumed on January 1, 2024. The group, formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, has welcomed new members over time, including South Africa (2011) and Egypt, Iran , United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia in 2024. During this year, numerous events related to the theme “Consolidating multilateralism for security and equitable global development”, a central theme of the Russian presidency, were held in various international cities such as Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, New York and Vienna .

The exhibition, which will remain open until 31 October 2024 with free admission, is a journey through different cultures who find a meeting point in cultural diplomacy. The works, created in historical periods and with various techniques, range from contemporary to traditional painting, addressing universal themes such as family, faith, the environment and the relationship between man and society. Among the works on display, you can admire Chinese sculptures from the 1990s, “Warli” and “Pichwai” paintings from India, scenes of Ethiopian life, as well as the works of Sergej Sapozhnikov, a Russian artist who explores the role of photography in art contemporary.

During the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, underlined the importance of the “BRICS culture”, based on mutual respect, dialogue and valorization of the different civic, spiritual and political traditions of the member countries. An idea also reiterated by the numerous ambassadors present at the event, including those from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassadors Alexey Paramonov, of the Russian Federation, Renato Mosca de Souza, of Brazil, Guide Jia, of the People’s Republic of China, HE Bassam Essam Rady A.Rady, Ambassador of Egypt, HE Demitu Hambisa Bonsa, of the Republic Democrat of Ethiopia, Vani Rao, Ambassador of India, Mohammad Reza Sabouri, Ambassador of Iran, Nosipho Nausca Jean Jezile, of South Africa, Abdulla Ali Ateeq Obaid Alsubousi, of the United Arab Emirates. During the current year, preparatory events for the BRICS summit in Kazan, scheduled for October 22-24, 2024, will be the main event during the Russian presidency, as well as the first summit of the group to take place in an expanded format. This cultural event is part of the broader context of the celebrations linked to the Russian presidency of the BRICS, which will culminate with the group’s summit, scheduled for Kazan from 22 to 24 October 2024. It will be the first summit in an expanded format, an event that will mark an important stage for the consolidation of relations between the BRICS countries and the promotion of a multipolar international system. The exhibition “The New Art of the New World” therefore represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic expressions of a new global era, in the name of dialogue and equality between nations.

Carlo Franza