Fu Bin, who joined the Department of Painting at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University in 2014, has been continuously exploring the unique style of printmaking language, expanding the artistic boundaries of this medium. How to carry forward this ancient art form and make it radiate eternal charm is the subject of exploration for this generation of printmakers.
● Skills blend, and mastery approaches the realm of the Tao
"When you master a technique to its utmost limit, the resulting imagery is incredibly captivating; this is the essence of 'mastery approaches the realm of the Tao'."
The Printmaking major at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University admits only 10 students annually and has recently adopted an alternate-year admission policy. This "small but elite" teaching model highlights its distinctive educational approach—small-class instruction emphasizing comprehensiveness and practicality. Students are not only required to grasp the fundamental skills of printmaking but also to learn how to integrate them seamlessly and develop their unique artistic voice.
Fu Bin's teaching philosophy can be summarized in two points: first, cultivating moral character and tailoring education to individual students; second, pursuing the harmonious unity of technique and art. The former emphasizes prioritizing students' personal development throughout the educational process, believing that "there is no such thing as superior or inferior learning; it all depends on finding the right path." Each student's painting habits are unique, necessitating teachers to provide targeted guidance based on their individual characteristics to ensure that every student's needs are fully addressed. Beyond skill transmission, emphasis is also placed on nurturing students' artistic aspirations and humanistic sentiments, guiding them to set lofty goals and possess a broad cultural perspective.
● "Process: An Exhibition by Fu Bin"
In the realm of printmaking education, technique and artistry go hand in hand, embodying the proverbial "two sides of the same coin." Printmakers possess a keen sensitivity to materials, enabling them to discern the subtle nuances between different textures. The printmaking discipline emphasizes a balanced mastery of both technical skills and artistic expression, allowing students to experience the harmonious fusion of craft and creativity through practice. When technique is honed to its utmost refinement, the resulting imagery naturally captivates, exemplifying the philosophy of "mastery approaches the realm of the Tao."
Fu Bin believes that printmaking students must cultivate two essential qualities: the ability to sit patiently for extended periods and the capacity for independent thinking and rational problem-solving. By planning and executing their creative processes, students refine their logical reasoning skills and enhance their abilities to identify, analyze, and resolve issues. Feedback from printmaking graduates underscores the profound impact of these subtly nurtured comprehensive skills, which bolster their confidence and composure in their professional endeavors.
●The core of printmaking training lies in the honing of one's mindset.
"Once you possess the mindset of printmaking, equipped with the two mental tools of imprint and multiplicity, you can adeptly tackle the artistic challenges you encounter."
Printmaking is an art form rooted in printing technology, and its appearance evolves whenever there are breakthroughs in printing techniques. Consequently, printmakers approach technological innovations with a curious and open mind; they do not reject new technologies or media but rather view them as new possibilities for creation. This spirit also permeates the teaching of printmaking in art academies. Whenever confronted with new techniques or methods, both teachers and students are eager to experiment. This love and inclusiveness towards technology constitute the unique charm of printmaking art. The innovation in printmaking stems from the continuous expansion of techniques, media, materials, and ways of thinking. Fu Bin believes that while inheriting printmaking skills is crucial in the current era, we should not be constrained by techniques and media. After mastering these skills, it is even more important to integrate them with contemporary issues and reflections, using traditional media to express present-day emotions and thoughts. This represents a significant shift in contemporary art.
●"Process: An Exhibition by Fu Bin"
Fu Bin summarizes that the outreach of printmaking should not be overlooked. As a method of image reproduction and dissemination, printmaking possesses a unique quality of integration. It can transform virtual, non-manually created images, such as those generated by computers, into works imbued with materiality and warmth, making them leap onto the paper. This is an area where printmaking can continue to expand both now and in the future.
● Impression and Multiplicity
The core of printmaking training is essentially the honing of one's thinking. Once one masters the printmaking mindset, equipped with the two powerful tools of impression (printing marks) and multiplicity, they can more adeptly tackle artistic challenges using this mindset. Such works may transcend the realm of printmaking itself and deeply integrate with various forms of contemporary art.
● Learn Persistently and Thoroughly, and Enjoy Your "Artistic Moments"
"Maintain sensitivity to material textures and a receptive mindset towards art, continuously learn techniques, broaden your horizons, and all your learning and training will be ignited during your 'artistic moments'."
The study of printmaking is a enduring journey. From initial confusion and unfamiliarity to gradual familiarity and eventually mastery, each stage carries growth and transformation. This process is crucial for every learner. Fu Bin emphasizes that it is precisely this tangible learning process that we pursue.
Through hands-on work with various materials, translating inner thoughts into creations, regardless of the outcome's satisfaction, the exercise and refinement gained are invaluable. Fu Bin hopes that when printmaking graduates reflect on their school days, the knowledge and skills they acquired will continue to serve them in some way, long after graduation.
● On the artistic journey, one must constantly forge ahead and explore.
"I once encountered a concept that I deeply admire, termed the 'artistic moment'. Essentially, it suggests that not all art majors will become artists, yet each will undoubtedly encounter their unique 'artistic moment' in life's journey. This metaphor is particularly enchanting, symbolizing the culmination of past learning and training being awakened and stimulated at a particular instant. When our thought processes, perspectives, and judgments are deeply imprinted with the marks of artistic education, we can more effortlessly integrate into society and interact with it. Through such interactions, we can better understand ourselves and thereby enrich our lives," said Fu Bin. He emphasized that the pursuit of printmaking should not be overly driven by utilitarianism or concerns about future career prospects. The learning process should be an immersive experience, focusing on the task at hand, and mastering the knowledge thoroughly and deeply. This is because some influences and gains do not manifest immediately; they will subtly integrate into our lives and work at some future moment, akin to an 'artistic moment'. "I encourage everyone to maintain a curious mind while learning printmaking and retain a keen sensitivity to art. Additionally, by engaging with diverse media and forms, we can broaden our horizons and enrich our artistic nourishment," said Fu Bin. These are not only his academic reflections but also his sincere advice to every student majoring in printmaking.
