Art World (Volume 3)

Author: Jiang Xiwu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Mr. Du Yu from Shandong once wrote about "editorial planning" (see "Talks in the Art World" at the end of the volume), commenting on the first and second volumes of my humble compilation with equal praise and criticism. The opinions are indeed valuable; however, the so-called "grasping the main theme" was done with difficulty, mainly because of the challenges in selecting manuscripts. It’s like preparing a fine meal—first, the side dishes must be chosen, but whether the combination is appropriate depends on the raw materials. The publication of "The Art World" has often been delayed, mostly due to the difficulty in assembling the right mix at the right time. How can great works be sought when everything is not yet in place? I sincerely hope that both writers and readers can pay attention.
When compiling this volume, the issue of the "main theme" came to mind. Looking back and forth, I recalled Li Tang, one of the "Four Masters of the Southern Song Dynasty" in painting, who wrote a poem:
"Clouds amidst mist, rain on the rapids—easy to see, hard to create;
Had I known it wouldn’t please the eyes of the times, I’d buy more rouge to paint peonies instead."
This was Li Tang’s complaint, lamenting the "fondness for beauty" of his contemporaries. It seems that the "fondness for beauty" has remained unchanged through the ages. This is, to some extent, an unavoidable matter. Today, there is talk of "visual impact," and "attracting attention" is in vogue, seemingly unstoppable. However, if we reflect further, despite the complaints, Li Tang still faced the challenge and created his "clouds amidst mist, rain on the rapids"—he never settled for the "rouge peonies" that pleased the times. This is something we should emulate.
From that time to the present, can talented artists also remain steadfast on stage, with fewer concerns about the "eyes of the times" and less reliance on the "rouge peonies," to paint their "clouds amidst mist, rain on the rapids"? Even if it’s difficult at first and the work isn’t completed, more complaints are better than none. It’s even better to say that complaints bring hope. Over the years, "The Art World" has been nothing but complaints—this could be seen as its identity, aligning with its of catering to a niche audience.
Regarding these complaints, some say, "You’re speaking from a position of comfort," or call it "idle talk." What one can say while standing can hardly be expressed while bending over; "idle talk" may not necessarily lead to "misfortune." The Chinese intellectual tradition has long been one of "discussing but not acting." Standing and talking, or "idle talk," can still produce meaningful discussions, precisely because it avoids the of "acting."
As the saying goes, "The (observers are clear-eyed)," and what’s wrong with that? "The Art World" has always been supported and valued by Mr. Wang Yuanhua. Now, with his help and facilitation, the third volume of "The Art World" has finally found a home at the Shanghai Education Press—a triple blessing!