Swiss Water, Chinese Ink : XVIII World Water Congress, Beijing

Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

As part of the XVIII World Water Congress—held for the first time in China under the theme “Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature”—Charlotte Qin’s solo exhibition brought a unique voice of artivism into a predominantly scientific and policy-driven space.

Titled “Swiss Water, Chinese Ink”, the exhibition was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) through its One Million Youth Actions (1MYAC) initiative. Amid technical displays, it stood out as a poetic intervention—inviting delegates to experience water not only as a resource but as a sacred, emotional presence.

Golden petals lined the floor, evoking peace and reverence. On one side, paintings from Geneva traced the sensuous materiality of water. On the other, Qin created a 3 x 9.7 m live ink painting over four days—transforming conversations into gestures, and water memories into form. This live act became a highlight of the Congress, sparking intimate exchanges and emotional reflections from hundreds of attendees.

In an environment focused on governance and solutions, the exhibition reminded the world that water is also feeling, memory, and meaning.