An illustrious 90 years in art

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-28 09:16

The Central Academy of Fine Arts, China's top art education institution, turns 90 this month. Founded in 1918 by renowned scholar and educator Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940), the academy "was the first national art school in China and its establishment marked the beginning of Chinese modern art education", says academy president Pan Gongkai.

Besides the Wu Zuoren exhibition, the academy is also staging various other shows, by both renowned artists and the younger generation.

"The academy has gone through a tumultuous path in recent decades," says Pan. "Generations of Chinese artists have witnessed dramatic social changes in this nation. Many of China's monumental artworks and landmarks are from the hands of teachers and students at the academy."

Some of the best examples include the sculptures on the Monument of People's Heroes, the design for the Great Hall of the People at Tian'anmen Square and Dong Xiwen's grand oil painting The Founders of the Nation depicting the historic moment on Oct 1, 1949, when Chinese leader Mao Zedong proclaimed the birth of the People's Republic of China.

In preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the academy designed the Olympic torch and medals, as well as tickets for sports events, registration cards for athletes and journalists and visual signs at sports venues.

"My teenage dreams, my youthful steps and my success as a contemporary artist are closely connected with the academy, where I learned painting skills, art concept, and most importantly, became empowered with self-confidence," says Yu Hong, a renowned art professor at the academy.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/28/2008 page20)