Founded in 1928, the Sculpture programme at China Academy of Art (CAA) is China's first modern institution of higher education in sculpture and the cradle of modern and contemporary sculpture education in China and a major source of artistic talent in the field. Adhering to the academic principle of "Deepening Both Traditions and Innovations," it has built a methodological system integrating teaching, experimentation, creative research, and social service.
The Sculpture programme at CAA employs a teaching model centered on modelling training, supported by experimental teaching, and characterized by studio-based instruction. It offers three specialized research streams: Figurative Sculpture, Interdisciplinary Sculpture, and Sculpture with Eastern Aesthetics, Supported by two teaching labs, the programme provides a full-fledged pathway from undergraduate to master's and doctoral studies. It was among the first to be accredited as a National First-class Undergraduate Programme in 2019.
Core Courses: Clay Modeling from Life, Sketch, History of Chinese and Foreign Art (including Sculpture History), and Studio Practice.
2. Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Structure
Core Course:
Sculpture Foundation - Clay Modeling from Life
Clay Modeling from Life: Head and Bust
Clay Modelling from Life is a core foundation course in the Sculpture programme. The course includes a sequence of teaching units: Head and Bust, Half-Life-Size Human Figure, Two-thirds-Life-Size Human Figure, Relief Clay Modeling, Large-Scale Bust and Life-Size Human Figure.
Following the logic and characteristics of sculpture education, the course is structured as a progressive, multi-unit system moving from the simple to the complex. Each unit builds on the previous one in teaching concept, technical requirement, method and academic content.
(1) Using the human figure as the primary subject and clay modelling from life as the main method, the course trains students to observe, analyse, understand and represent form in three dimensions.
(2) It strengthens their modelling skills and technical ability, while deepening their perception, understanding and command of sculpture as an art form.
