Items on display at the Art Exhibition of Chinese Paintings at the China Cultural Center in Sydney, Dec 15, 2016. [Photo/CRI]

An exhibition showcasing representative works of Chinese painting opened at the China Cultural Center in Sydney on Dec 15, which will run until Jan 18, 2017.

The exhibition, titled "Chinese Style – Art Exhibition of Chinese Paintings", displays 37 Chinese ink paintings, covering subjects including landscapes, figures, flowers and birds. The pieces of art not only inherit traditional Chinese painting styles but also integrate Western elements.

"Chinese painting is one of the oldest art traditions in the world. Painters express their attitudes towards nature, life and the universe through their artworks. I hope, through this exhibition, people could further understand the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western paintings," Gu Xiaojie, Chinese Consul General in Sydney, said at the opening.

The exhibition was co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Sydney and China National Academy of Painting.

"The number of Chinese immigrants in Australia is growing, which now accounts for 14 percent of new immigrants in Sydney. Chinese culture has now become an important part of multicultural Australia," said Councilor Robert Kok of Sydney.

"I hope this exhibition will be a window to help people in Sydney to better understand and appreciate Chinese culture," he added.