Wang Shaolun Teaching: Central Academy of Fine Arts Basic Teaching

Author: Wang Shaolun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Creativity is not imitation; it is not about arbitrary novelty. It cannot be separated from the era you live in and must reflect history, otherwise, creation would lose its timeliness and value. Do not be confined by conventions, embrace bold creation, and stay close to life. Make the tangible aspects of life spiritual and the latent aspects of the spirit lifelike. Each person should make different choices based on their talent, quality, ability, and conditions. Be good at trying new concepts, new materials, new effects, and new artistic realms. Respect individuality, persist in being true to oneself, and do not blindly follow others. However, avoid being self-righteous. Instead, learn from others, absorb nourishment, and develop your unique style. The ability in painting is also the ability to perceive, generalize, and select. Perception reveals a person's intelligence and wisdom, generalization shows their expressive ability, and selection reflects their taste and style. Clearly understand yourself—only by knowing yourself can you truly understand others. Do not learn or choose blindly. Take the essence that suits you, do not merely copy others' works and slightly modify them to pass them off as your own creation. It is tragic to always wear a mask on stage.