KUALA LUMPUR: Local universities which offer Chinese studies should include the history of Chinese art in their courses, says Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
The Universiti Malaya adjunct professor who is a Chinese literature and art enthusiast said that the course would not be complete without knowledge of Chinese art.
“The ancient Chinese art has a long history and plays an important part in Chinese culture.
“The subject will enable students to have a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture,” he said.
Chan, who is former transport minister, was addressing an audience during the opening of a joint art exhibition “Trilogy”, featuring joint pieces by renowned Chinese painters Dr Xu Qingping, Dr Chen Chuan Xi and Malaysian Dr Cheng Haw-Chien at the Clarity Art Centre in Cheras.
Also present during the ceremony were Universiti Malaya’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences dean Datuk Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken, New Era College vice-chancellor Dr Mok Soon Chong, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Institute of Chinese Studies dean Dr Chong Siou Wei and Star Media Group Berhad chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow.
A UM Chinese Studies graduate himself, Chan appealed to the representatives of the three tertiary institutions at the event to consider adding Chinese art to their courses.
“I have read much on Chinese literature and philosophy but I didn’t have a chance to learn much about the significant history of Chinese art. It is a regret for me.
“It will be an embarrassment if a graduate in Chinese Studies could not participate in a conversation on ancient Chinese painting and calligraphy.
“With the presence of three important leaders in Chinese tertiary education here today, I hope they will give this serious consideration so that students wouldn’t live with the same regret,” he added.
Calling the joint exhibition rare, Chan said it was also meaningful to gather three great masters in their own style to work together for an exhibition.
Likening such significance to a giant painting by Chinese artists Fu Baoshi and Guan Shanyue that was featured in the Great Hall of the People in a China state building where legislative and ceremonial activities were often held, Chan said the collaboration simply portrayed good camaraderie among fellow painters.
“The 50 sq m painting, jiang shan ru ci duo jiao (Our motherland is so beautiful) was completed by the two contemporary painters and named after a phrase in a poem penned by China’s former leader Mao Zedong.
“From that painting to the collaboration we have today, it portrays the mutual and deep appreciation among painters, where they share their inspirations and works.
“The exhibition today also gathered great artists from both China and Malaysia and that simply displays the good long relationship shared by the two countries, making it meaningful and significant,” he added.
Chan, who is an avid art collector, also spoke highly of Cheng, a long-time friend who has made a name for himself internationally for his vigorous styles and applications.
“Haw-Chien is an old friend of over 30 years. I have been closely studying his art pieces and collecting his works since the 80s.
“He has honed his skills, perfected his art, poem writing and calligraphy throughout the decades,” he said.
“All these are evident in the audacious strokes in his paintings.”
Chan noted that Cheng has also creatively translated musings from his travels onto the rice paper with his very own distinctive style.
“From the field in Africa to the ostriches, the Niagara Falls, and kangaroos in Australia, these are the things that are not commonly painted in Chinese painting.
“But he brought them alive onto the rice paper,” he added.
“Seeing his relentless hard work and creativity throughout the years, I am very proud of him and what he has achieved for himself.”
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