Bookish emotions, bookish charm; mountains high, waters long.

Author: Chen Yongzheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The renowned Chinese university, Sun Yat-sen University, founded by the great leader Sun Yat-sen, celebrated its 80th anniversary. To promote the revolutionary spirit of Sun Yat-sen, commemorate the contributions of the founders, express gratitude to alumni and the community, and inspire faculty and staff to continue striving forward, the university launched a series of grand celebrations. After the announcement, the event received widespread attention and enthusiastic support from all sectors of society. Mr. Wu Nansheng, former Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, and Mr. Chen Yongzheng, Chairman of the Guangdong Calligraphers Association and a professor at Sun Yat-sen University, proposed that the anniversary activities should highlight cultural sophistication by organizing a high-level exhibition of calligraphy and painting. This would promote traditional Chinese cultural heritage and cultivate students and young people through the elegance of art. Sun Yat-sen University placed great importance on this initiative, incorporating it into efforts to embody the university's humanistic spirit and build a culturally strong province. It was included as one of the key events for the 80th anniversary celebration, with a special preparatory committee and working group established to organize it. The work began in June 2004, with invitations sent to renowned calligraphers and painters worldwide. During the calligraphy and painting collection process, the support of cultural and art organizations such as the Guangdong Calligraphers Association, the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, the Dongshan District Federation of Literature and Arts in Guangzhou, and the Zhuhai Chinese Calligraphy Institute was secured. Through joint efforts and with the generous contributions of calligraphers and painters, the university received 171 pieces of calligraphy and painting from 168 renowned artists from around the world. Among the calligraphic works, there were contributions from Chen Shaosi, Wu Nansheng, Rao Zongyi, Ouyang Zhongshi, Wang Xuezhong, Zhang Hai, Zhou Huijun, Chen Yongzheng, Wei Tianchi, Xu Yu, Nie Chengwen, Duan Chenggui, Yang Zhiguang, Pan He, and Lin Jin, among others. In the painting category, the works included those by Liu Sifen, Xie Juxian, Zhang Shaocheng, Fang Cheng, Zhu Zhongxing, Chen Yongqing, Yang Jiakong, and Ye Luye, among others. Some of these artists were already in their 80s, yet they happily participated. Mr. Wu Nansheng donated a handwritten couplet by the first president of Sun Yat-sen University, Zou Lu, which he had treasured for many years. Mr. Yang Zuoqiang, an alumnus, provided a family heirloom—handwritten by Sun Yat-sen—for the exhibition. It is evident that the exhibition features works by a galaxy of masters. The calligraphers and painters have meticulously crafted exquisite works for the 80th anniversary celebration of Sun Yat-sen University, with their creations radiating brilliance and elegance, embodying deep affection, praise, and encouragement for the university. These works represent an invaluable cultural treasure for the institution. This exhibition is also one of the high-level exhibitions held in Guangdong in recent years. The university will permanently preserve the artistic treasures of the calligraphers and painters. Additionally, "The Charm of Calligraphy and Painting: Timeless Beauty" exhibitions will be held across all campuses to showcase the artistic achievements and moral integrity of the artists, providing an elegant artistic experience for faculty and staff. To further extend the aesthetic value of this exhibition, Sun Yat-sen University has compiled all the works into a book titled "The Charm of Calligraphy and Painting: Timeless Beauty."