On October 1st, the “Ink Brush and Faith” exhibition, featuring the works of Li Fushun, officially opened at the Nanjing Academy of Art Art Museum. The exhibit showcases an impressive 180-meter-long scroll titled “Red Marks of Faith,” along with landscape paintings from the series “Ink Sea and Brush Strokes.” This exhibition aims to explore and commemorate a century of revolutionary achievements through the medium of art.
Can you tell us more about the featured artwork?
The exhibition is structured around two main components: the monumental scroll “Red Marks of Faith,” which spans an astounding 180 meters in length and 2 meters in height. This piece includes 104 scenes that capture pivotal moments in China’s history, including significant events like the Zunyi Conference, the Conquest of Snowy Mountains, and the Land Reform. Through traditional Chinese ink painting techniques, Li Fushun encapsulates the century-long journey of the Communist Party of China, highlighting the remarkable milestones achieved since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China 75 years ago.
What inspired you to create such an extensive piece over the span of ten years?
Creating this extensive scroll was a monumental challenge that took ten years to complete. I traveled over 100,000 kilometers across China, visiting historical revolutionary sites, memorials, and museums. My journey took me from the snow-capped plateaus to the banks of the Xiang River, and from the southern seas to vast snowy plains. Each location served as a source of inspiration, and I made sure to document every site in detail, allowing my experiences to enrich the artwork with deeper meaning.
We understand you made a significant donation during the opening ceremony. Can you share more about that?
Yes, during the ceremony, I had the honor of donating my new piece titled “Liberating Nanjing” to the Nanjing Academy of Art Art Museum. It is my hope that this artwork will not only contribute artistically but also serve as a historical reminder of our journey toward liberation.
What’s next for the “Red Marks of Faith” exhibition after its stop in Nanjing?
The exhibition has already traveled to several cities, including Haikou, Shanghai, Hefei, Chengdu, Guiyang, and Tianjin. After concluding in Nanjing on October 13, we plan to take it to cities like Jinan, Nanchang, and Yan’an. We are eager to share this journey with even more audiences across the country.
