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October 30, 2024 – The Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University successfully hosted a lecture and live Chinese painting demonstration by Yun Gao, a renowned Chinese artist. The event, part of the university’s Distinguished Visiting Artist Series, was held at the Power Art Gallery and attracted a large audience of students, faculty, and community members. Dr. Joshua B. Powers, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, was in attendance, highlighting the importance of this event for the university’s cultural and academic exchange. From left: Dr. Chun Xue, Professor at the University of Virginia; Yun Gao; Dr. Josh Powers, Vice President and Provost of William Paterson University; Zhiyuan Cong, Director of the Center for Chinese Art; Zhai You, Vice Secretary General of the Chinese Painting Society.
The lecture was introduced by Professor Zhiyuan Cong, Director of the Center for Chinese Art. Professor Cong praised Yun Gao as a leading figure in contemporary Chinese art, whose achievements in traditional Chinese painting, lianhuanhua (illustrated storybooks), and stamp design have won him numerous national awards. Beyond his artistic achievements, Yun Gao has served as a key cultural leader in Jiangsu Province, contributing significantly to its standing as a major center of Chinese culture and art. Professor Cong described him as a responsible and committed artist representative of Chinese art today. Dr. Chun Xue, Professor at the University of Virginia, and Zhai You, Vice Secretary General of the Chinese Painting Society, were also in attendance. Students watch Yun Gao demonstrating
Dr. Lauren Razzore Cedeno, Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences welcomed Yun Gao on behalf of the college. Drawing from her experiences visiting China, Dr. Cedeno expressed admiration for the depth and richness of Chinese art and wished Yun Gao a successful presentation.
In his lecture, Yun Gao provided an in-depth analysis of the differences between Chinese and Western art, discussing key distinctions in perspective, aesthetic values, and materials. His presentation helped students gain a deeper understanding of the unique multi-point perspective, line-based modeling, and subjective expression that characterize Chinese painting, showcasing the unique cultural heritage embedded within this art form. Yun Gao emphasized how the evolution of Chinese and Western art reflects the values and philosophies of their respective cultures, demonstrating that both Chinese painting and oil painting are remarkable human achievements with rich histories, each embodying unique beauty and complementing the other.Yun Gao (left) with Zhiyuan Cong, Director of the Center for Chinese Art
Following the lecture, Yun Gao conducted a live demonstration, introducing students to the philosophy, techniques, and materials behind Chinese painting, including the essential “Four Treasures of the Study.” His demonstration of Enjoying the Fish showcased the art of blending nature and emotion through brush and ink. Students had the opportunity to witness the precision of Chinese brushwork and the philosophy of “the art reflects the artist,” which is central to Chinese painting.
Dr. Powers warmly welcomed the guests from Nanjing, China, and expressed his high regard for the event, commending it as a valuable cross-cultural exchange that broadens students' global perspectives and deepens their appreciation of diverse artistic traditions. “This event underscores William Paterson University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and providing our students with opportunities to engage with world-class artists and scholars,” he noted.
This event is part of the Distinguished Visiting Artist Series, a program designed to bring exceptional artists from China to promote cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. The Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University expresses its sincere gratitude to Yun Gao for his visit and contributions, which provided a unique educational experience that enhanced understanding of both Chinese and Western artistic traditions.
Group photo from the lecture and demonstration
For information about upcoming events and programs, please visit the Center for Chinese Art’s website at wpunj.edu/ccart or call (973) 720-2799.
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