Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute and the Amputee Artist in China

Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute
Hello Ladies and I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
I was checking on my photo archive to help me create a new post, when suddenly I remembered that last January, I had an opportunity to visit this open-exhibit of Lingnan paintings created by the student artists from Ateneo Confucius Institute from Ateneo De Manila University.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


This open-exhibit was hosted by SM Aura Premier – one of my favourite mall, not because of its convenient location, but also it become a regular host of many exhibits that I like.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


What is Lingnan painting and its origin?

The region south of the Five Ridges in Guangdong is commonly referred to as “South of the Ridges”, or Lingnan. In the late Qing Dynasty, the opening of Guangzhou as a trading port and other external developments let to a turning point for revolutionary change in the practice of art in Lingnan area, which was accompanied by the appearance of many promising and talented painters.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


The fame of Lingnan artists quickly spread to equal those in Shanghai and the Beijing-Tianjin area, forming a triumvirate with them. Painters in Lingnan leapt to the forefront of art circles to form a core group in southern China.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute

Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


The Lingnan-style painting is one of many schools of painting in China with a history of around 100-years. The innovations in modern Lingnan painting could be traced to the late Qing Dynasty within the two cousins Ju Chao (1811-1865) and Ju Lian (1828-1904) both natives from of Geshan Village in Panyu, Guangdong Province, China. Their domicile in Pan Yu was later converted into a Remembrance Hall called Shi Xiang Yuan.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


The style is characterized by bold and free strokes that convey the sentiments and perception of the artist. The style spread not only to Southeast Asia but also to the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and even Africa.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


The Lingnan tradition is now taught by Master Ceasar Cheng at the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University. Mer. Cheng is a fourth-generation Lingnan painter who can proudly trace his roots from those who started Chinese Painting in the Philippines: from Master Gao Qi Feng to Master Zhao Shao Ang, and to Master Hau Chiok.


Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute

Arts of Lingnan Exhibit by Ateneo Confucius Institute


The paintings exhibited then are of Master Ceasar and the Ateneo Confucius Institute Chinese Painting Group. The exhibit runs from January 20 to February 2, 2017.


I was so glad that I got a chance to see their works and appreciate their talents and creativeness. Their techniques are very impressive, and I find them so magical just like when I took a Chinese painting workshop with Cha Lim.

Am actually tempted to buy one of those paper fans, unfortunately they are not for sale.

Or maybe take a summer art class from them?!

Hhhmm that’s an awesome idea right?


*****


Speaking of painted paper fans, I was reading this news online when I stumbled this amazing story from China. It’s about a Chinese amputee who have an outstanding skills in calligraphy which helps him to each a living. Here’s the story (source from ChinaDaily)


Amputee Artist in China


A 43-years old double hand amputee has decided to write a different future for himself, picking up calligraphy after losing his arms in an unfortunate accident over three decades ago.

Ji Weijun from the city of Baoji in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province spent the past 22-years making a living from calligraphy and creating a life that many have admired, although he has lost his two arms. A high voltage electric shock at 8-years old led to Jia losing his left arm and half of his right arm. The traumatized kid dropped out of school, but knew that life doesn’t stop and should not stop, at one’s pains.


Amputee Artist in China


His parents tried to talk to him out of leaving the nest to start earning a living, but Jia decided to embark on a journey that would take him in 1992 to the streets of Xi’an, the provincial capital of Shaanxi Province. He learned Chinese calligraphy and sold his artistic and intricate work to make ends meet.


Amputee Artist in China


A desk, a chair, several brushes and an ink are the tools Jia needs to create magic on fans. Inspired and impressed by ancient Chinese prose, he spends two hours to decorate one item. Life in Xi’an proved to be challenge to Jia, but the man was never discouraged, fighting to make a living.


Amputee Artist in China


In 2000, Jia tied the knot and his wife would soon be an incentive to carry on with calligraphy, supporting him unconditionally. Jia’s years of hard work eventually paid off, and he became a member of the Calligraphers Association of Shaanxi five years ago. Jia practices calligraphy with the help of his wife and sells his work outside tourist attractions in the city.

You see, having a physical difficulty is never a reason to move on and work really hard.

So when you are on your tour and you see someone who is trying their best to work for a living, help them buy buying something even if you don’t need it. It will help them a lot. They are working so hard to master their skills, and not to beg from other people.


I find this story very inspiring, and am truly amazed to his works. I have complete arms and hands but I don’t know how to do calligraphy.


Hope this story inspires you too.

xoxo, Blair


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55 comments :

  1. What an inspiring story, I Love all the painting, good Job

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  2. I read this with tears in my eyes. I am so impressed with how a double amputee can create such beautiful art work!!

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    1. Thank you Emily! I am also moved with his dedication. Ah his creations are truly fantastic.

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  3. beautiful artwork. shall tell my son of this he no see before.

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  4. Impressed over his determination! love the art work of chinese fans so much!

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  5. This is so ispiring! I have tremendous respect for people that find a way to be strong and thrive whatever the life throws at them!

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    1. I agree. They still have pride and knows that they can do much more without thinking of their differences. He is blessed.

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  6. Nothing is impossible.Determination to succeed under under circumstances is so very important. Thank you for sharing this post

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    1. I'm glad that you've enjoyed reading my post and also appreciate their creative works. Let's help to spread good vibes!

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  7. Hats off the spirit of the artist. He has really defeated his physical disability. Great work.

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    1. Thank you Shilpa! Keep on exploring my blog for more awesome stories :)

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  8. I have always thought that Asian art, in this case Chinese art was sooo beautiful! I especially love the fans! The story about Jia was really inspiring. Thanks for sharing this great post!

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    1. You are welcome and I am happy to know that you also like Asian arts.

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  9. This artwork is beautiful. I love the painting of the rooster in particular. Thanks for introducing me to a new artist.

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  10. Oh wow, how inspiring. These are just gorgeous. I'd love to have one of those fans over our bed.

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    1. You can also make your own. There are many online calligraphy classes via Youtube that you can check :)

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  11. That's such an inspiring story about the man doing calligraphy! And the paintings and fans are very pretty too - I like the fish one the best! :)

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    1. Thank you L! I am always passionate on sharing stories of talented people, and their touching stories. Let's spread good vibes.

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  12. The art her is beautiful. And the fact that he can do all of that with the disability he has is simply astounding. I knew someone who could do some amazing art with his mouth. It was amazing.

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    1. Yeah, they might be unfortunately lose something, but they have gained a talent that no one will ever steal from them.

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  13. That is some gorgeous artwork! I particularly loved the fish and that fierce hen. It was inspiring to see Ji Weijun demonstrate his calligraphy :)

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    1. Thank you Khushboo! Do you have an artistic hobby as well?

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  14. Alluring images and awesome exhibition!

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  15. they look so pretty, he is so inspiring.

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  16. Loved your blog! Would you like to share some of your posts or views on our women's community www.inbodeforyou.com

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  17. This exhibition is with amazing art creations.The story of Ji Weijun is inspiring.He is really a talented person with strong determination!

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    1. If every person in the world is like Ji, then I guess the world is much better to live-in :)

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  18. Very inspiring indeed. He has physical disability and still can paint so well.

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    1. Yeah he is very inspiring and I wish that one day he will have his own exhibit :)

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  19. People amaze me. What a talented artist. So glad he went on to do something so cool. He is so inspiring to us.

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  20. Its just so amazing seeing handicapped people produce amazing worknof arts that out us to shame.. and even more inspiring when they are so hardworking where regular people just laze around and do nothing

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    1. I agree with you. But Mr. Ji is different and he insist on working hard. Now he is a known calligrapher in their town :)

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  21. great ; ) u interesting with chinese culture ...

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    1. Yeah because Chinese culture is one of the best, and still exist now.

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  22. Such a inspiring post dear, and loved the arts they look amazing and are so pretty :D
    Thanks for the introduction to such an amazing art :)

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  23. I find the detail that goes into paper fans amazing. They are always elegant looking. Thank you for sharing your visit.

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    1. And thank you for appreciating these art works and for visiting my blog :)

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  24. I agree, can I get a paper fan too? Lol. The art on it is lovey. Plus I do like using them, used to love flipping them out aka Mulan style.

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    1. I agree. I actually have one that was sent to me as a gift. It was so precious looking.

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  25. Nice artworks and very motivating story.

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  26. All of the arts is so pretty! I always admire this kind of watercolor arts, the precise and color usage is so on point too!

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    1. I thought calligraphy was easy as ABC, but I was wrong!! Effing Hard!!

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  27. Impressive art drawings, I'm so admired with their talents :)

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    1. Thank you for admiring their creativeness and innate talents :)

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  28. wow their drawing really amazing! Wish I can get 1 for my new house :D

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    1. That's great Jacqueline :) That will be fantastic!

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  29. Wow I m so proud of Jie's artwork and determination. Hopefully more people will support him.

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