“Painting and life, they were two lines before. As you walk farther and farther, the separate two lines merge into one.” — Jia Guangjian
For Jia Guangjian, dean of the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, art and life are intertwined paths forged by a profound connection to nature. His journey began with the delicate beauty of an apricot flower blossoming in his grandmother’s garden, a moment that ignited his passion for artistic expression.
As a child, Jia was captivated by illustrations of flying apsaras he discovered in an encyclopedia. These celestial beings, depicted gracefully soaring through the skies, fueled his imagination and solidified his resolve to pursue a career in art. Grounded in real-life experiences, Jia’s work reflects a deep reverence for the natural world and traditional Chinese culture.
While honoring classical techniques, Jia is also a visionary innovator. He has revitalized the ancient boneless painting style — a method emphasizing fluid forms and colors without defined outlines — introducing it into contemporary art circles. Through this fusion, he bridges the historical with the modern, creating works that resonate with both past and present.
Jia’s philosophy centers on the harmonious merging of life and art. He believes that by immersing oneself in nature, an artist can transcend the boundaries between existence and creativity. His paintings are not merely visual representations but are infused with the essence of lived experiences and the rhythms of the natural world.
Under his leadership at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, Jia continues to inspire a new generation of artists. He encourages them to draw inspiration from their surroundings, to honor tradition while embracing innovation, and to find their own unique paths where art and life converge.
Reference(s):
The Art Beat | Jia Guangjian: Following nature's creative proposition
cgtn.com
