Take
a close look at these drawings. These are the streets and edifices
of a Beijing that is quickly being wiped away to make room for the new. Pushed
to "modernize" by the upcoming 29th Olympics in 2008, these
charming old stone houses and shops are fast disappearing.
Yu Jiantao was
born in 1968 in Dalian city. Currently he is a professional painter,
and a member of Dalian Artists' Association. In 1969 he went to the
countryside with his family and stayed there until 1979. Ten years
of countryside life like a beautiful fairy tale to keep, especially in
those difficult years for China. Yu remembers now even more. Perhaps
his dream of creating art began at that time. He says he
devoted all his life to understanding nature, the course of painting "creation
like a course of exploring life. A building, a tree, a damaged boat
or a corroded rock, they are a life to artist", that when he
touched them, he was deeply moved by them, as if it was a kind
of communion even though without words. He says he believes these things
are the ever-lasting inspirations for the art creation of him.
Kuang Han was born in
Jiangxi Province in 1961. He graduated from the Nanjing Normal University
with a degree in Traditional Chinese Painting in 1989. Kuang Han won
the Xu Beihong Scholarship in 1988. After graduation, he moved to Beijing
and lives in a Hutong, amongst the ancient architecture of Beijing.
In most persons' minds, Hutong is regarded as the essence of Beijing.
Within the Hutong lies the core of Beijing, the crux of Beijing's culture.
Kuang Han is fascinated by the charm of Hutong. He traveled around
most Hutongs in Beijing and has taken hundreds of photographs as his
material. He is especially impressed by the buildings that are being
demolished within Hutongs. His paintings capture the soul of Beijing
through vivid portrayal of its street life.
During
the 1995 China Art Exposition, his "Hutong" series paintings were drawn to
the attention of art critics and collectors. His paintings "Beijing
Memories" were exhibited at the Thirteen New Artists' Works Exhibition
organized by the Chinese Artists' Association. His paintings " Changes
of City" were exhibited at the Ninth National Art Exhibition held
in Beijing. Many of his paintings have been awarded first prize at
exhibitions.
