July 17 and 18, over ten well-known artists of Chinese painting and calligraphy startled Duke Kunshan community with their sophisticated techniques in improvisational painting and calligraphy, as well as their generosity in donating the artworks to Duke Kunshan University.
The two improvisational art-creation sessions took place at Duke Kunshan University’s Water Pavilion, where the artists also talked with attendees about the history of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. With every stroke of the paint brush, the artworks – paintings full of symbolic Chinese elements and calligraphy of different styles ‘ gradually unfolded themselves before Duke Kunshan faculty and students, enthralling them with the unique beauty of traditional Chinese visual art. Under the instruction of the artists, some young students created an artwork of their own.
Touched by the university’s mission to bring together Chinese and American traditions of higher education and to spearhead the future of higher education, the artists wrote down inspiring quotes from ancient Chinese scholars in calligraphy.
‘It is our goal to cultivate well-rounded global citizens with firm cultural roots, and art education will play an essential part in it.’ Liu Jingnan, chancellor of Duke Kunshan University said at the artwork donation ceremony. ‘Art education is key to fostering creativity and aesthetics. At Duke Kunshan University, we want to produce graduates who can appreciate the beauty of art through providing a liberal arts curriculum and immersive arts experiences.’
Besides the improvised artworks, artist Peng Quanxin also donated an oil painting titled ‘Dream of Bashu’ to the university. ‘The painting has incorporated the realistic painting techniques from the West into the whimsical and symbolic style of traditional Chinese painting,’ said Peng. ‘It portrays a beautiful scene of towering mountains and shimmering rivers. By donating and creating artworks for Duke Kunshan University, I hope to spark young students’ interest in traditional Chinese painting and to promote intercultural exchange.’
Peng Quanxin
Artists who attended the artwork donation event include: Peng Quanxin, Li Kuuisheng, Zhang Yongsheng, Wang Baoxi, Yang Hua, Gao Benxing, Wei Ku’an, Du Tongzhi, Jin Bao’an, Wang Dawei, Zhao Zhongwei, Li Jingrong, Sun Jie, Xu Hua, Li Fuchang.
