On November 3, 2024, an art public lecture themed "Intergrowth – The Virtue of Objects, The Enjoyment in Heart" commenced as scheduled at Yimei Art Museum in Haidian District, Beijing. This lecture featured a joint presentation by Professor Yuan Bo and Chen Hui, a couple from the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, leading the audience on a visual and intellectually inspiring journey through art.
This art public lecture was hosted by the Training Center of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU), with Yimei Art Museum as the co-organizer. Academic support was provided by the Department of Sculpture, Department of Visual Communication Design, Institute of Handmade Paper and Paper Art at AADTHU, as well as the Academy of Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage, the China Folk Arts Association and the Fiber Art and Design Professional Committee of the China National Arts & Crafts Society.
Nearly sixty audience members, including 2024 visiting scholars from the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, gathered at Yimei Art Museum to attend the public lecture. The event was hosted by Xie Qihong, Director of the Training Center of the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University.
Yuan Bo and Chen Hui Share Their Story and the Origin of the Exhibition
Art Public Lecture
During the keynote speech session, Professor Yuan Bo, from the Department of Visual Communication Design of AADTHU, first delivered a keynote address titled "The Virtue of Objects, Conveying the Heart Through Paper," introducing the entire process of papermaking to the audience in detail. She also deeply analyzed the value genes of handmade paper art from six aspects: ideological value, historical value, scientific value, cultural value, artistic value, and practical value. Furthermore, through five core modules of product development, knowledge impartation, skill inheritance, practical operation, and field creation, she systematically elaborated on the specific paths for the value transformation of handmade papermaking skills.
Additionally, Yuan Bo constructed multidimensional consumption scenarios from product, practice, and inquiry perspectives and showcased some works and exhibition images from "The Virtue of Objects" exhibition to vividly interpret the craftsmanship and artistry of Chinese handmade paper.
The Book image of “Paper Craftsman” --“The Virtue of Objects” by Yuan Bo
Chen Hui, the director of the Department of Sculpture at AADTHU, delivered a keynote speech centered on the theme of "Matter and Time-Space," which delved into the thematic implications of the dual exhibition "The Virtue of Objects, The Enjoyment In Heart." Through introducing "The Virtue of Objects" exhibition led by Yuan Bo, Chen smoothly transitioned to his personally directed "The Enjoyment in Heart" exhibition, probing into the intricate relationship between matter and time-space. Incorporating the holistic thinking that characterizes traditional Chinese thought, Chen further elaborated on the principles of ancient Chinese cosmology and the defining features of Chinese civilization's philosophical cosmology, thereby unveiling the Chinese people's unique approach to shaping and observing the world.
Through examples, Chen Hui elaborated on the combination of space and time, the landscape consciousness in creation, and demonstrated the application of compositional structures. He also shared his thoughts and practices on creating "The Enjoyment in Heart" works using paper pulp, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of the works.
One Mountain, One world (Partial Content)—"The Enjoyment in Heart” by Chen Hui
During the Q&A session, Yuan Bo and Chen Hui provided detailed answers to audience questions about the mutual influence and relationship between art design and artistic creation, incorporating their respective thoughts and creative practices.
The art guided tour was a highlight of this art public lecture. The audience followed Yuan Bo and Chen Hui to carefully appreciate the joint solo exhibitions "The Virtue of Objects, The Enjoyment in Heart." During the tour, the two professors introduced in detail the creation background, artistic style, and conveyed messages of each work. The audience was not only captivated by the external beauty of the works but also deeply moved by their profound connotations. The works inspired new reflections on life and the world among the audience.
