The Shared Horizons watercolour exhibition at Garden Gallery Cosmos in Baridhara on Tuesday unfolded as a rare artistic dialogue, where delicate strokes and rich palettes bridged cultures in celebration of 50 years of Bangladesh-China diplomatic relations.

The day-long showcase featured 28 curated works by two acclaimed artists - Chinese master watercolourist Ma Baiqi and Bangladeshi-Chinese artist Mong Mong Sho - transforming the gallery into a living canvas of collaboration, creativity and cultural unity.

Highlighting how art transcends linguistic and geographic boundaries, the exhibition celebrated cultural harmony and contemporary watercolour practices. Both artists' works reflected a shared commitment to portraying landscapes, emotions and traditions that resonate beyond national borders, reinforcing art as a universal language.

Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier 71, said the Cosmos Foundation has long been committed to strengthening cultural connections. Recalling his own ties with China through the Bangladesh Centre for China Studies, which he founded, Khan underscored the significance of welcoming Ma Baiqi as the gallery's resident artist.

"We are privileged to welcome Ma Baiqi, a master watercolour artist, as Gallery Cosmos' resident artist. I hope this collaboration strengthens our relationship and inspires more of his peers to join future exchanges," he said.

He also expressed appreciation for Mong Mong Sho, describing him as a Bangladeshi-Chinese artist who plays a vital role in deepening cultural understanding between the two nations. Artists, Khan noted, are "the biggest and best peacemakers" who quietly build bridges where politics often cannot.

The event was inaugurated by eminent artist Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi as Guest of Honour. Distinguished attendees included Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, BNP Standing Committee Member; Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, BNP Vice Chairman and former Home Minister; and Farooq Sobhan, former Foreign Secretary.

Also present were Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, President of the Cosmos Foundation; Han Kun, President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh; and Xia Daojing from the Cultural Section of the Chinese Embassy.

Dr Moyeen Khan highlighted the diplomatic power of artistic expression. "Music, dance, painting - these transcend borders and communicate without language. This is how we build peace," he said.

Former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury reaffirmed Bangladesh's enduring friendship with China, noting that China is poised to become the world's leading nation in this century.

Former Foreign Secretary Farooq Sobhan reflected on the historical depth of bilateral relations, noting China's long-standing support for Bangladesh and broader initiatives rooted in shared prosperity.

Speaking on the responsibilities of artists, Mong Mong Sho emphasised the value of shared learning. "Business and diplomacy are ongoing, but as artists we also have responsibilities. Through workshops and exchanges, we can strengthen our bond and learn from each other's traditions and landscapes," he said.

Ma Baiqi spoke of the boundless nature of creativity. "Painting has no borders. We feel colours and nature beyond cultural backgrounds. I hope we can continue to engage in more cultural activities in the future," he said.

Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng said the exhibition reflects the depth of people-to-people relations between Bangladesh and China. "This year marks the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, and next year marks the 10th anniversary of Bangladesh joining the Belt and Road Initiative. Culture will endure beyond commerce, and through these beautiful paintings we understand each other more deeply," he said, adding that more collaborative programmes are planned next year.

As part of the cultural exchange, a comprehensive watercolour workshop was conducted by Ma Baiqi and Mong Mong Sho for 20 young Bangladeshi artists, offering hands-on experience and insight into advanced techniques.

Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director and exhibition curator Sourav Chowdhury highlighted the organisation's two decades of experience in international art exchanges with countries, including India, Nepal, China, Korea, Japan, Ireland, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Australia Canada and the USA, underscoring its mission to deepen cross-cultural partnerships.

Eminent artists Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Professor Anisuzzaman Anis, Biswajit Goswami, and art connoisseurs were also in attendance, celebrating a vibrant cultural dialogue brought to life through watercolour.