• 2012-02-02

The NCL held the opening ceremony for "Libraries: Photographs by Massimo Listri," a world libraries photo exhibition, on a rainy spring afternoon (2:30 to 5:00 p.m. on February 2). Over 100 people attended, including foreign envoys and representatives to Taiwan, scholars and experts, art lovers, and the general public. Participants eagerly lined up for autographs and photos with the Mr. Listri, bringing the event to a successful close. Capition: Director-general Tseng Shu hsien (left), Massimo Listri (right) Foreign envoys and representatives of Italy, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, Chile, Thailand, Mexico, Hungary, Spain, Mongolia, Japan and Poland were present. After the opening ceremony, the envoys expressed to Director-general Tseng Shu hsien interest in cooperating with the NCL on similar activities to expand cultural exchanges with Taiwan. In her opening ceremony speech, Director-general Tseng noted that libraries are the treasuries of human civilization. The also are indicators of a country's or region's strengths and cultural attainments. In both ancient and modern times, people have treated books as spiritual things and created ornate and beautiful buildings to house them. Over the millennia, the nature and functions of libraries have evolved, yet the view of library design has remained the same: a library should be a landmark cultural building. Both ancient and modern library buildings are like persevering works of art, inscribing the story of civilization at different times and in different regions. Next to speak was Italian Economic Trade and Cultural Promotion Office Director Mario Palma, who greeted the guests in Taiwanese and proceeded to introduce in fluent Chinese the background and achievements of artist Massimo Listri. Mr. Listri personally introduced his work to the guests and answered questions, such as how he managed to present his subjects so beautifully (he said it was all natural light, but it took time to wait for the best light); and where his photographic equipment was produced (mostly from Germany). As the tour drew to a close, the participating guests lined up for photos with the artist and to get his autograph. The opening ceremony closed on a joyful note in an ambiance of classical art.