Chinese artist recognized for enriching San Francisco culture

Ku is also keen to promote cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the US to enhance art and friendship. He has successfully held several joint painting exhibitions in the US for artists from China.

Ku has led or founded several associations, including the Alliance for China's Peaceful Reunification on the West Coast and the Alumni Association of the Huangpu Military Academy in the US.

"Ku is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. He has a very solid command of the Chinese way of painting. At the same time, he has also benefited from the exposure to Western culture," said Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Zhang Jianmin at the ceremony.

"Through these works, you can see the strength and benefits from both the Chinese tradition and the oil paintings. I think such exchanges and combinations are meaningful.

"I think inclusiveness brings unity and diversity brings vitality. We are now living in the most challenging times. ... So, I think it's important for us to embrace more inclusiveness and diversity, to have more cultural dialogue, so that we can communicate better and respect each other more."