THE “Olympic Century · Cultural Interweaving: European Culture and Arts Season,” featuring three exhibitions, was unveiled June 7 at Pingshan Exhibition Gallery in Pingshan District.

Focusing on themes of humanities, art, and the spirit of sport, this art season utilizes three exhibitions to illustrate the cultural exchanges between the East and the West. The exhibitions are “Under the Olive Tree: 1896 — The First Modern Olympic Games Thematic Exhibition,” “Jean-Yves Blondeau’s Personal Review Exhibition” and “Traversing a Century of Europe — 19th Century European Oil Paintings Authentic Exhibition.”

As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is approaching, sports fans can check out the “Under the Olive Tree: 1896” exhibition which features rare collections from the Benaki Museum in Greece. Visitors will be transported back to the glorious moments of the first Olympic Games in 1896, experiencing the Olympic spirit in an artistic way.

The exhibit not only offers insights into the centennial history of the Olympic Games via old photos and bilingual descriptions but also showcases models of Chinese sculptor Hao Chonghai’s public sculpture works for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, capturing a vibrant and uplifting ambiance.

French roller suit designer and performer Jean-Yves Blondeau has brought his signature roller suits at his exhibition, presenting his design drafts and past photos that reflect his continuous innovation and fusion of design, sports, and art.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Blondeau’s adventurous spirit and creativity, experiencing the aesthetic blend of sports and art as they marvel at his suits equipped with wheels on various body parts enabling smooth riding. Blondeau once trained Jackie Chan to ride with a roller suit in Chan’s 2012 action film “CZ 12.”

Following the dynamic Blondeau exhibition, visitors can relish a serene experience at the European oil painting exhibition, featuring works from the 18th to the 20th centuries. From Romanticism to Impressionism to the Barbizon School, attendees can delve into the distinct allure of European art, rich in diversity and history.

Dates: Through Sept. 7

Tickets: 68 yuan per person (A ticket covers three exhibitions with various discounts.)

Venue: Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山展览馆)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit D2(Cao Zhen)