《 First Visit to Taiwan by Renowned Contemporary Ink Artist Fu Yiyao》
Chinese ink art has a long and rich history. In modern times, global cultural exchange has brought Eastern and Western artistic traditions into closer dialogue, giving rise to a vibrant, burgeoning art scene. Ink painting, at the heart of this tradition, owes much of its vitality to exceptional calligraphers and painters who have devoted their lives to it. Dr. Yeh Guoxin, a longtime ink painting scholar and promoter, shares a profound friendship with internationally renowned artist Fu Yiyao. After multiple invitations, Dr. Yeh has finally arranged Fu Yiyao’s first academic lecture in Taiwan, titled “Guiding the Land – The Artistic Achievements of Fu Baoshi and Fu Yiyao,” a two-part lecture series to be held on September 30 and October 1, 2015. The sessions will be hosted at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), focusing on “The Artistic Achievements of Fu Baoshi,” and at the National Taiwan University of Arts (NTUA), centering on “The Artistic Achievements of Fu Yiyao.”
Fu Baoshi, a master of modern Chinese painting, pioneered the “New Jinling School” and developed his unique “Baoshi texture strokes.” His works exude grandeur and vitality, with masterpieces like This Land So Rich in Beauty, co-created with Guan Shanyue, adorning the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xu Beihong once described Fu’s landscapes as “vast and boundless, with infinite possibilities,” while Zhang Daqian lauded him, saying, “He opens an unprecedented wonder, truly a master.” His art has set records in the Chinese art market, attesting to his remarkable achievements.
Fu Yiyao, daughter of Fu Baoshi, was deeply influenced by her father and other prominent cultural figures like Guo Moruo and Lin Sanzhi from an early age. She later studied at Musashino Art University in Japan and was the first student from China to receive government sponsorship to study abroad after the reform era, personally approved by Deng Xiaoping. Fu’s works, marked by both grandeur and refinement, are celebrated as carrying on her father’s artistic legacy, excelling in landscapes, figures, and monumental wall paintings. Her art is featured in various renowned Japanese temples, including the Sanjusangen-do Temple. She has also been a longtime educator with NHK Educational TV and is widely respected in Japan’s Buddhist and art communities. Some of her notable works include The Spread of Buddhism to the East and Mount Hiei Enryakuji, and she has published books such as My Father Fu Baoshi, My Years in Japan, and The Ink Paintings of Fu Yiyao, published by Kodansha in Japan.
Dr. Yeh Guoxin, who arranged this lecture, is a distinguished connoisseur of calligraphy and painting in Taiwan, bridging academia and practical expertise. He holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from NTNU and a Ph.D. in Art Authentication from London Metropolitan University. Dr. Yeh heads the Ink Ocean Art Institute, teaches as an adjunct assistant professor at NTNU and Chinese Culture University, and is a lead consultant for Fudes Art Auction Co., Ltd. in Taiwan. He also lectures at the Qingjue Yaji “Art Collection Appreciation Class” and serves as the Taiwan/China region judge for the UK SPEY Art Scholarship. Dr. Yeh has published Tradition and Innovation – The Calligraphy and Painting Collection of Yeh Guoxin and In Between – The Modern Ink Paintings of Yeh Guoxin.
The first lecture on September 30 at NTNU, focusing on “The Artistic Achievements of Fu Baoshi,” will feature Dr. Yeh and Fu Yiyao presenting unique perspectives on Fu’s legacy. The October 1 lecture at NTUA, titled “The Artistic Achievements of Fu Yiyao,” will open with remarks from Dr. Yeh, followed by a presentation by Fu Yiyao herself, and conclude with an art discussion featuring NTUA President Chen Zhicheng and other esteemed scholars. This rare opportunity to closely witness the artistry of two generations of the Fu family promises an unparalleled cultural experience. We warmly invite all who are interested in culture and the arts to join in this remarkable event.
