When Liu Kaiqu established the sculpture department at the academy, there were only eight students willing to study modern sculpting. At the time, most Chinese people considered figurines and sculptures as burial objects that were inauspicious.
“That was a melancholy time for modern sculptors,” said Liu Mina. “My father realized the importance of cultivating talent and populating modern sculpture. He recruited a number of students and wrote tons of articles to spread the new art.”
A dozen of his students later became pillars of modern Chinese sculpture. They laid a solid foundation for the art and heralded a new chapter for the academy.
Besides, the exhibition also displays five artworks by Jean Boucher (1870-1939), Liu’s tutor, who enlightened him in sculpturing.
A sculpture of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is on display.
Boucher was a French sculptor based in Brittany, France. He is best known for his public memorial sculptures which showcased his patriotic dedication to France and Brittany.
He was a highly respected teacher. Among his pupils were sculptors Paul Belmondo (father of Jean-Paul Belmondo), Jules-Charles Le Bozec, Francis Renaud and Liu.
“My father pioneered Chinese modern sculpture, while Mr Boucher enlightened Chinese pioneers on the art,” said Liu’s daughter. “It’s rare to see his works in China, so this is a precious opportunity for visitors.”
When Liu returned from France to his homeland, the gap between reality and his dreams didn’t discourage him. On the contrary, he created three obelisks that helped him establish fame in China.
“These obelisks demonstrate the people’s resolution to fight against the enemy during war,” said Xu.
The obelisks are considered top-notch works in the 20th-century Chinese art and a breakthrough in urban sculpture. From then on, modern sculptures gradually appeared in parks and streets, evolving into popular ornaments for cities.
China Academy of Art Nanshan Campus
Date: Through June 24, closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Address: 216 Nanshan Rd
南山路216号
