北欧时报两会特派记者北京报道
春意渐浓的北京，全国两会正在进行。人民大会堂内外，来自各界的代表委员围绕中国未来的发展蓝图建言献策。在今年两会的文化议题中，如何让中国文化更好走向世界，成为不少文化界委员关注的重要方向。
作为中国当代著名雕塑家、全国政协委员，许鸿飞长期致力于公共艺术创作与国际文化交流。他的“肥女”系列雕塑以阳光、欢乐的形象在世界多国展出，成为近年来中国公共艺术“走出去”的一个鲜明符号。两会期间，《北欧时报》围绕文化传播与中欧艺术交流等议题，对许鸿飞委员进行了专访。
艺术家的文化使命：让世界读懂中国
北欧时报：
作为中国当代著名雕塑家，同时也是全国政协委员，您如何理解艺术家在新时代中国文化传播中的角色？
许鸿飞：
新时代艺术家既是创作者，更是中华文明的主动传播者。十余年世界巡展让我深刻体会到，我们要做“中华文明标识体系”的实践者，以艺术语言向世界阐释具有中国底蕴、又有世界共情的价值理念。
多年来，许鸿飞的作品在世界各地公共空间展出。无论是在欧洲城市广场，还是在文化艺术节现场，那些充满生命力的雕塑形象，总能吸引不同文化背景的人驻足观看。
北欧时报：
您的雕塑作品常以欢乐、阳光的形象著称，很多作品在海外公共空间展出。您是否有意识地通过艺术讲述“中国故事”？
许鸿飞：
我的“肥女”系列正是有意识地讲中国故事。她阳光欢乐的形象，承载着中国人热爱生活、自信向上的精神气质。通过在地化创作，让作品在不同国度引发共鸣，展现可信、可爱、可敬的中国形象。
在许鸿飞看来，艺术不需要复杂的翻译。一个充满生命力的形象、一种真诚的情感表达，本身就是跨越语言与文化的桥梁。
北欧时报：
从艺术创作到公共文化外交，您认为艺术家在国家文化软实力建设中可以发挥怎样的独特作用？
许鸿飞：
艺术家最大的作用是发挥民间外交的亲和力。能以鲜活的IP和真诚互动，让海外民众在艺术共情中自发认同中国文化，这是官方叙事难以替代的柔性力量。
中欧艺术交流的新机遇
近年来，中欧文化交流不断深化，公共艺术也成为城市文化交流的重要载体。
北欧时报：
近年来中欧文化交流持续深化。您认为当代中国艺术在欧洲的接受度如何？欧洲观众最感兴趣的中国艺术表达是什么？
许鸿飞：
欧洲观众对能引发情感共鸣的当代艺术接受度很高。他们最感兴趣的是既有中国韵味、又能融入当地文化的表达，这种“美美与共”的创作最能打动人心。
作为长期在海外举办公共艺术展览的艺术家，许鸿飞对于中国艺术“走出去”的挑战也有清醒认识。
北欧时报：
您的雕塑曾在欧洲多个城市展出。从您的经验看，中国艺术进入欧洲公共空间最大的挑战是什么？
许鸿飞：
最大挑战是从“走出去”到“走进去”，欧洲公共空间对艺术品质要求高，单纯展示难以融入。
北欧时报：
北欧国家非常重视公共艺术。中国与北欧在城市雕塑、公共艺术方面是否有合作潜力？
许鸿飞：
北欧与中国的合作潜力巨大。北欧艺术强调人文关怀，与我的创作理念相通。我们可以在公共艺术领域开展深度合作，共同探索艺术如何更好地服务市民生活、提升城市品质。
事实上，北欧国家长期重视城市公共空间的艺术设计。从城市雕塑到地铁艺术，从街区景观到文化广场，公共艺术已经成为城市文化的重要组成部分。许鸿飞认为，这种理念与中国近年来推动城市文化品质提升的方向高度契合。
艺术：最好的“民间外交官”
在全球化与文明交流不断深化的背景下，文化正在成为国家之间理解彼此的重要桥梁。
北欧时报：
您如何看待“一带一路”背景下的文化交流？艺术是否可以成为中欧关系中的“民间外交官”？
许鸿飞：
艺术就是最好的“民间外交官”。“一带一路”不仅是经贸之路，更是民心相通之路。我在西班牙连续八年办展的经历证明，持之以恒的艺术交流，能真正让中国文化在当地生根发芽。
北欧观察
在两会文化议题中，许鸿飞委员的观点具有代表性——中国文化走向世界，不仅需要制度与政策推动，更需要艺术家、作家、音乐家等文化创造者以真实的创作与情感交流，搭建民心相通的桥梁。
当一件雕塑、一幅画作或一段音乐在世界另一端引发共鸣时，文化的力量往往比语言更直接，也更长久。
在全球文明交流不断深化的今天，艺术或许正是让世界读懂中国最温暖、最生动的方式。
Two Sessions Interview|Art Helping the World Understand China
—Interview with Xu Hongfei
Nordic Chinese Times—Special Correspondent in Beijing
As spring arrives in Beijing,China’s annual“Two Sessions”—the meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—are underway.Inside and outside the Great Hall of the People,delegates and political advisors are discussing the country’s development blueprint for the coming years.
Among the topics drawing attention this year is how Chinese culture can better engage with the world.
As one of China’s most influential contemporary sculptors and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference,Xu Hongfei has long been active in public art creation and international cultural exchange.His well-known“Fat Lady”sculpture series—characterized by joyful,lively figures—has been exhibited in public spaces across many countries,becoming a recognizable symbol of Chinese public art abroad.
During the Two Sessions, Nordic Chinese Times interviewed Xu Hongfei on cultural communication,artistic responsibility,and opportunities for China–Europe cultural exchange.
The Cultural Mission of Artists
Nordic Chinese Times:
As a renowned contemporary sculptor and a national political advisor,how do you understand the role of artists in spreading Chinese culture in the new era?
Xu Hongfei:
Artists in the new era are not only creators,but also active communicators of Chinese civilization.More than a decade of global exhibitions has made me deeply realize that we should be practitioners of a“symbolic system of Chinese civilization,”using artistic language to explain values that carry Chinese cultural depth while resonating emotionally with the world.
For many years,Xu Hongfei’s sculptures have appeared in public spaces around the world.Whether in European city squares or international cultural festivals,the vitality and optimism of his works often draw the attention of passers-by from different cultural backgrounds.
Nordic Chinese Times:
Your sculptures are often known for their cheerful and sunny characters,and many of them have been exhibited in overseas public spaces.Do you consciously tell“Chinese stories”through art?
Xu Hongfei:
My“Fat Lady”series is intentionally telling Chinese stories.Their joyful and sunny image embodies the Chinese people’s love of life and confidence.Through localized creation,the works resonate in different countries and present a China that is credible,lovable,and respectable.
In Xu’s view,art often transcends language barriers.A vivid figure or sincere emotional expression can naturally become a bridge between cultures.
Nordic Chinese Times:
From artistic creation to public cultural diplomacy,what unique role can artists play in strengthening a nation’s cultural soft power?
Xu Hongfei:
The greatest role of artists is the affinity of people-to-people diplomacy.Through vivid artistic IP and sincere interaction,overseas audiences can develop a spontaneous emotional identification with Chinese culture.This kind of soft power is something that official narratives alone cannot replace.
New Opportunities for China–Europe Artistic Exchange
In recent years,cultural exchange between China and Europe has continued to deepen,with public art becoming an important medium of urban cultural dialogue.
Nordic Chinese Times:
How do European audiences perceive contemporary Chinese art?What kind of Chinese artistic expression interests them the most?
Xu Hongfei:
European audiences are very receptive to contemporary art that evokes emotional resonance.What interests them most are works that retain Chinese cultural flavor while integrating with local culture.This kind of“beauty shared in harmony”is the most touching.
Having held numerous exhibitions abroad,Xu Hongfei also has a clear understanding of the challenges Chinese art faces when entering Europe.
Nordic Chinese Times:
From your experience,what is the biggest challenge for Chinese art entering European public spaces?
Xu Hongfei:
The biggest challenge is moving from“going out”to“going in.”European public spaces have high standards for artistic quality.Simply exhibiting works is not enough to truly integrate into the local cultural environment.
Nordic Chinese Times:
Nordic countries attach great importance to public art.Is there potential for cooperation between China and the Nordic region in urban sculpture and public art?
Xu Hongfei:
There is tremendous potential for cooperation between the Nordic region and China.Nordic art emphasizes humanistic care,which resonates with my creative philosophy.We can develop deeper collaboration in public art and explore how art can better serve citizens’daily lives and enhance the cultural quality of cities.
Indeed,Nordic cities have long integrated art into urban planning—from sculptures in public squares to artistic designs in metro stations and public parks.Xu believes that such approaches align closely with China’s ongoing efforts to enhance urban cultural life.
Art as the Best“People’s Diplomat”
In an era of increasing global cultural interaction,art is becoming a vital bridge for mutual understanding.
Nordic Chinese Times:
How do you view cultural exchange under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative?Can art become a“people’s diplomat”between China and Europe?
Xu Hongfei:
Art is the best“people’s diplomat.”The Belt and Road Initiative is not only a route for trade,but also a path for connecting hearts.My experience of organizing exhibitions in Spain for eight consecutive years proves that sustained artistic exchange can truly allow Chinese culture to take root locally.
Nordic Perspective
Xu Hongfei’s views reflect a broader theme in the cultural discussions of this year’s Two Sessions:
China’s cultural presence on the global stage will not rely solely on policy or institutions,but also on the creative vitality of artists,writers,musicians,and other cultural practitioners.
When a sculpture,painting,or piece of music resonates with people on the other side of the world,culture speaks more directly—and more enduringly—than words.
In today’s era of deepening global dialogue among civilizations,art may be one of the warmest and most vivid ways for the world to understand China.
