Wisdom and Knowledge

Qian Dajing

Professor at Nanjing University of the Arts (NUA), Renowned Oil Painter

Qian Dajing

When I entered NUA as an undergraduate in 1978, Professor Zhang Shaoxia was already a graduate student there. Therefore, we interacted with each other respectfully from the very beginning. Over the years, Professor Zhang and I went in different directions, with me going abroad and Zhang seeking development in Hainan. We took different turns in our lives before coming back around. On seeing Professor Zhang's art exhibition, my immediate reaction was surprise, followed by deep admiration because although Professor Zhang studied art theory at the time, we often talked about painting and our lives. As the dean just mentioned, Professor Zhang is our spiritual guide. We thought he knew everything and could do anything, but his success exceeded our expectations. Just now, Professor Zhang said he focused on something other than Western art history because Professor Zhu Qingsheng was doing it. He said so out of modesty. I specialize in oil painting. After seeing the numerous works painted by Professor Zhang, I was surprised by the quantity and his mature skills, and I found that he is a strong competitor in oil painting. The key is that although he plays golf, I can feel from his paintings that golf is just one aspect of his lifestyle. The most beautiful part is that he is singing the praises of nature and expressing his love for life, the latter of which lies behind his endeavors of academic research, business, or art creation. Professor Zhang is a competent man with enthusiasm, an understanding of art from theory to practice, and excellent execution. It's admirable that he has such great wisdom and knowledge.

Rhythm of the Course (Cypress Point Club) 120×65cm Oil on Canvas 2023

Blue Water Barrier (Plainfield Country Golf Club) 120×65cm Oil on Canvas 2022

(Transcribed from interview recording)