In recent years, cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Africa have continued to develop, and Chinese and African artists have grown ever closer. In addition to Chinese artists visiting Africa, it is not unusual now for African painters to come to China to undergo training, to expose their work or simply to look for inspiration. Such exchanges have been supported by government-sponsored projects aimed at increasing mutual learning between African and Chinese artists.

As part of ChinAfrica's cover stories on cultural exchanges between China and Africa, we asked five African painters who have visited China to share with us their thoughts on what they have gained from taking part in Sino-African artistic exchanges.

Patrick Adoyo Milenye

Kenya

I visited China on the invitation of the Chinese Government for a one-and-a-half-month art residency at Chengdu Culture and Art School in September and October 2016, in Sichuan Province.

During my stay in China, I had the chance to visit many historical sites around Chengdu City. We visited several art villages where we interacted with Chinese artists, with whom we produced artworks. We were also taken to several museums and art galleries, from where we learned a lot about Chinese ancient and modern art. We also had a chance to meet some of the greatest modern Chinese artists.

After this Chinese experience, I came back to Kenya and set about painting using the knowledge and inspiration that I had brought back from China. These paintings were later exhibited in the Art Village Gallery I established with my friend. The gallery is a direct influence from the Chinese Art Village we visited in Chengdu.

Overall, I learned a great deal while in Chengdu because we were given the right environment to produce artworks. This was my first art residency, and I believe it helped me grow a lot as an artist. I am now able to paint modern art, and I find it easier to relate to other artists around the world. I would not hesitate to attend another residency in China. It is my hope that such cooperation will continue to benefit more artists.