The fourth "China Art Award" ceremony, hosted by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) and the China Artists Association, was held at the National Museum of China on the afternoon of October 24. Tie Ning, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Chairperson of CFLAC attended the event. Other distinguished attendees included Gao Shiming, CPC Committee Member and Secretary of the Secretariat of CFLAC; Jin Yibin, Chairman of the Committee of Academy Affairs of CAA; and senior professors, award-winning artists, and heads of relevant functional departments of CAA.

The "China Art Award" aims to honor outstanding artworks that embody the spirit of the times and aspirations of the people, while encouraging and guiding artists to climb the artistic peak and write a never-ending epic of the people. This year, the China Art Award recognized nine Gold, 14 Silver, and 17 Bronze winners. CAA made a historic breakthrough by winning four golds, one silver, and two bronzes. Gold Awards were presented to Golden Land (Chinese painting) by Shen Xiaoming, Ode to Rivers and Mountains (oil painting) by Lü Peng, Beautiful Xinjiang (mural) by Li Dan et al., and Lu Zhishen (picture-story book) by Hong Wanli. A Silver Award was won by A Thousand-Mile Reunion (oil painting) by Cui Xiaodong. Bronze Awards were bestowed upon My Heroes (oil painting) by Wu Dayong and Visual Identity and Icon System Design for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 (graphic design) by Yuan Youmin, Fang Hongzhang, Xuan Xuejun, and Chen Shen. These awards mark a historic achievement for Zhejiang's arts at the "China Art Award". Professor Xiao Feng, former President of CAA and a celebrated oil painter, garnered the "CFLAC Lifetime Achievement Award".

-- Gold Award-Winning Artwork

Golden Land, Chinese Painting, 240cm x 240cm, Shen Xiaoming

Artwork Introduction

This piece uses an impressionistic approach to highlight the foundational role of agriculture and the land in Chinese history and culture. It intricately weaves together scenes of farming, harvesting, and sharing food, illustrating the profound bond between people and the land. The painting portrays individuals of different ages laboring under the intense sun, capturing both the arduous nature of cultivation and the passion found in the harvest. It is a tribute not only to the land itself but also to the resilient and honest spirit of people.

Ode to Rivers and Mountains, Oil Painting, 210cm x 230cm, Lü Peng

Artwork Introduction

This artwork vividly commemorates the historically significant tenth anniversary of the founding of New China and pays homage to artists Fu Baoshi and Guan Shanyue. With an upward perspective and a solid triangular composition, this painting conveys a powerful sense of grandeur. The use of backlighting imbues the painting with an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence, drawing viewers into an era marked by passion and creativity.

Beautiful Xinjiang, Mural, 300cm x 360cm, Li Dan, Liu Zihan, Liu Rui, and Liu Lijuan

Artwork Introduction

This triptych mural, on the motif of ethnic unity in Xinjiang, depicts the vibrant and happy lives of the local people through three scenes: a bustling market, a wedding, and a festive dance. The creators employ a line-based rock pigment technique, with colors drawn from traditional Chinese palettes that harmonize with Xinjiang's natural tones. Connecting the three main panels are ten unique carpet patterns, each symbolizing blessings and unity, together forming a vision of a united nation where diverse ethnic groups, like seeds of a pomegranate, are closely bound as one.

Lu Zhishen, Picture-story Book, 39cm x 39cm x 10, Hong Wanli

Artwork Introduction

Inspired by the famous character Lu Zhishen from the classic Chinese novel Water Margin by Shi Nai'an, this illustrated series recounts ten legendary episodes featuring Lu Zhishen. It represents the artist's exploration of combining comic-style illustration with traditional Chinese painting to create a refined and mature visual narrative. By adopting a humorous and light-hearted approach to engage viewers, this picture-story book blends meticulously detailed scenes with an innovative fusion of the classical elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics and the playful charm of modern art.

-- Silver Award-Winning Artworks

A Thousand-Mile Reunion, Oil Painting, 239.5cm x 184.5cm, Cui Xiaodong

Artwork Introduction

This painting portrays a farmer in a state of calm contentment, peacefully watching over his modest yet fulfilling world. Bathed in the soft warmth of winter sunlight, the scene captures a childhood memory—the familiar vegetable market—evoking the presence of a long-missed friend who feels like a childhood companion or youthful confidant. This setting rekindles distant yet familiar memories, as it transforms emotion into a poignant visual narrative preserved in A Thousand-Mile Reunion.

-- Bronze Award-Winning Artworks

My Heroes, Oil Painting, 235cm x 198cm, Wu Dayong

Artwork Introduction

This painting draws on the artist's formative memories to capture iconic images from his youth that have shaped a deeply personal narrative. It centers on a group of pioneering scientists who made significant contributions to the development and prosperity of New China, featuring figures such as Qian Sanqiang, Li Siguang, Zhu Kezhen, Tong Dizhou, Qian Xuesen, Deng Jiaxian, Hua Luogeng, Chen Jingrun, and Qian Weichang. These luminaries are positioned before an endless bookshelf filled with historical imagery. The composition demonstrates their vitality and intellectual poise, honoring their spirit of dedication. As part of Wu Dayong's My University series, this painting moves beyond conventional group portraiture by infusing the composition with a personal, textural depth. This unique approach allows the artist to transform a solemn subject into a heartfelt tribute, conveying his deep respect for New China's pioneering scientists and their impact on his life journey.

Visual Identity and Icon System Design for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, Graphic Design, 100cm x 70cm, Yuan Youmin, Fang Hongzhang, Xuan Xuejun, and Chen Shen

Artwork Introduction

This design collection includes the official visual identity and 61 sports icons for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. They draw upon elements such as traditional fan shapes, race track motifs, internet symbols, and the sun emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia, with the Qiantang River and its powerful tidal bore as central themes. This visual identity highlights the cultural heritage of the Jiangnan region, the spirit of athletic competition, and the distinctive character of Hangzhou. It embodies the vibrant momentum of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and symbolizes the unity of the Olympic Council of Asia community, showing a spirit of solidarity and shared progress.