Clarity Cup Flavor: The First High Research Class of the China Academy of Painting, Jiang Baolin Studio, Volume 1 and 2

Author: Jiang Baolin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This collection serves as the graduation portfolio of 21 students from the inaugural High Research Class of the China Academy of Painting, under the guidance of Jiang Baolin. In terms of form, it can also be considered a standalone art book. However, in reality, it is one volume of a two-part set titled Clenching the Heart, Savoring the Image: Works from the China Academy of Painting’s Inaugural High Research Class, Jiang Baolin’s Studio. The other volume is titled Clenching the Heart, Savoring the Image: Works from the China Academy of Painting’s Inaugural High Research Class, Jiang Baolin’s Studio (Essays). The relationship between these two volumes is not merely formal, as they are housed together in a single cover, but rather they share an inseparable intrinsic connection.
Because this art book is not only a summary of the achievements of the 21 students after a year of study and research but also a preliminary reflection of the teaching outcomes of Jiang Baolin over the same period. Although this book is merely a preliminary manifestation of Baolin’s teaching accomplishments over the year, and despite the diverse backgrounds, styles, artistic expressions, and linguistic characteristics of the students, as well as their varying ideological pursuits and thematic choices, there are at least three major characteristics overall:
1. Inheriting and Developing the Essence of Traditional Chinese Painting: It does not merely imitate or mechanically apply traditional techniques.
2. Solid: This includes a strong foundation in traditional skills, observational abilities, life experience, meaningful artistic expression, and a dedicated creative attitude.
3. Authentic: Here, I place particular emphasis on genuine personality.