European Notes

Author: Lu Chuntao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: This is a very "personalized" book. The author, Lu Chuntao, is a renowned painter. In 2005, he attended three personal art exhibitions in Europe and recorded his observations and feelings from his travels, which became the foundation of this book. You can view this book as a form of "travel literature," as it includes reflections on visiting the Vienna Museum of Modern Art and the Kunsthistorisches Museum; comparisons between Eastern and Western artistic concepts; and imaginative wanderings through ancient European architecture. You can also see it as a "travel guide," as it contains many travel tips, such as how to claim tax refunds after shopping, how to buy train tickets more cost-effectively, and which types of red wine offer the best value. Compared to those pretentiously profound "travel literature" and overly hyped "travel guides," the author's personal words and feelings have a unique emotional appeal.
One notable aspect of the book is its design. The cover is elegant and understated, while the interior is uniquely crafted. Since it is a diary, each page is designed in the form of a calendar, with the date of the entry highlighted in red. The author's boarding pass, handwritten notes from the diary, and various photographs taken in Europe—some documenting daily life and others revealing emotions—are scattered throughout the book, creating an airy and visually appealing layout. At the end of the book, the author returns to his original profession, showcasing his artistic prowess with sketches of his European travels.
The works in European Notes are the result of Lu Chuntao's sketches of scenic spots in several European countries during his months-long stay and exhibitions there. They record his experiences and feelings of living in Europe. The 50 exhibited works are deeply infused with a European atmosphere. Lu Chuntao depicts exotic landscapes in traditional Chinese painting styles, creating fresh, pleasant, and elegant compositions that explore new artistic realms and techniques for Chinese painting.
Mr. Mei Zhaorong, former Chinese Ambassador to Germany and former President of the China Council for International Cooperation, praised Lu Chuntao's works: "Reading Lu Chuntao's paintings—whether the urban-themed series of vases, the pastoral-themed series of branches, or the natural-flora series of flower seas—all evoke a sense of brightness, joy, and vitality, a. They are lively, unrestrained, and refreshing, brimming with green hues yet radiating clarity and dynamism. Lu Chuntao's art is deeply rooted in Chinese soil, nourished by both Chinese culture and Western artistic influences. His works carry the genes of traditional Chinese painting while incorporating elements of Western art. It is precisely for this reason that influential Chinese art critics admire his works, calling them 'Chinese painting with both Eastern and Western influences.'"
Since it was not his first time in Europe, he was neither unfamiliar nor nervous. However, stepping into the hallowed halls of art with his own works for a face-to-face encounter with masterpieces was an experience that stirred his emotions. His first solo trip abroad left him somewhat disoriented, but his understanding that art is a universal language brought him a sense of calm.
Early in the morning, a friend came to Chang Yuan to see me off at Pudong International Airport. We laughed along the way and arrived quickly. Perhaps because I held a business-class ticket, the check-in and baggage-handling processes went smoothly. Seeing that I had extra time, I found a tea room and chatted with my friend over tea. Suddenly, the announcement came over the speaker, in a standard yet mechanical voice, reminding passengers that it was time to board my flight. With my friend's blessings, I walked through the gate, handed in my passport, and the immigration officer examined it closely. At first, I dismissed it, but his serious expression made me uneasy. He sternly told me, "Your passport's magnetic strip has worn out due to prolonged exposure in the leather cover, and the computer can no longer read it. We can let you through, but you must sign a declaration of responsibility." I asked what might happen during customs clearance, and the officer replied professionally, "I can't say for sure, but if they refuse entry, you'll have to return." I was instantly panicked, my mind going blank as I mechanically wrote on the paper provided by the officer: "I declare that my passport's magnetic strip has worn out, and I am responsible for any consequences. Lu Chuntao, Passport Number: G09000983."
This ordeal left me feeling heavy and my steps burdened. The three bags in my hands (my suitcase had already been checked in, and the bags contained mostly gifts for friends) weighed me down even more. By the time I reached the boarding lounge, I was already exhausted, constantly wondering what would happen at customs. It would be difficult to explain, especially since neither they nor I could understand each other's language. I scanned the lounge, my eyes filled with desperation, pleading, and helplessness, searching for any Chinese passengers to approach. Normally, I avoid interacting with strangers, but at that moment, I was desperate. To my relief, no one ignored me.
I sat despondently in the lounge, only to realize later that I had forgotten my German friend's phone number (and that of my pickup friend). This was a disaster. After boarding, I took my seat in the business class, and within 20 minutes, the cabin was nearly full. I glanced around and noticed that only I and a woman in the last row were Chinese. She immediately became my only point of communication and request for help. Before the plane took off, I approached her to ask if she could accompany me through customs and help with translation. I said, "Excuse me, do you speak German or English?" Her rapid response left me speechless—I couldn't understand her, so I had no idea which country she was from. The flight attendant came over to investigate and told me, "She is Indonesian and doesn't speak Chinese." She comforted me, saying, "Don't hurry, follow the Chinese passengers when you get off."