The Festival of Chinese Culture and Art at INRTU: Exhibition of Painting and Calligraphy, National Clothes, Crafts and Master Classes

The Festival of Chinese Culture and Art that was first organized by INRTU took place on October 9-13. Overall, the program involved about 20 exhibitions, concerts and master classes in tea ceremony, origami and crafts. The university hall was decorated with well-recognized symbols of China - bright banners, Chinese lanterns and paraphernalia.

The event was held in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the Zhongqiujie mid-autumn festival.

The Center for cultural and educational work became venue for the painting and calligraphy exhibition. The display was opened by Vladimir Smirnov, INRTU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs.

"Over the past 10 years we have been engaged actively with China in the scientific and educational field. Currently, a total of 382 Chinese students studying at the University, more than 70 agreements on cooperation with educational and scientific organizations of China are in force”.

According to Vladimir Smirnov, due to the event the University surroundings have been refreshed, so one can completely immerse oneself into the festive atmosphere. The festival is sure to attract the attention of the entire University community and move Russian-Chinese relationship forward.

The V.G. Smagin Department of Monumental and Decorative Painting and Design, headed by Dmitry Dorokhin, made a great contribution to the decoration of the university space. He emphasized that art is an international language of communication:

"The exhibition allows us to look at unusual techniques-made works. Herein Chinese artists reveal themselves as masterful improvisers able to capture the moment".

Dmitry Dorokhin added that about 30 students from China study at the department: 

"Thanks to our students, we can broaden our cultural horizons and learn a lot of interesting things about Chinese art."

Raisa Lobatskaya, Head of the Department of Jewelry Design and Technology, INRTU Professor, emphasized the unique touch of Chinese calligraphy:

"China is the ultimate leader in this kind of fine art. The exhibition also features beautiful, romantic plot-related paintings that combine different techniques".

Vice-Rector for International Affairs Stepan Bykov thanked the university staff for setting up the festival:

"The exhibits for the display were provided by our Chinese partners, including Henan University of Technology, Hunansheng Songdan Hanzi Art Museu, and some more. The launch of this great project celebrates a collaborative effort on the part of Chinese and Russian representatives."

The festival was initiated by Xia Shuang, Assistant to the Rector for Chinese Studies and Head of Tutor Support. She invited INRTU students to get deeper insight into Chinese culture:

"I believe that the event will inspire students to choose China as an exchange destination. I hope that the festival will become one of the University's annual events and will be held in an even larger format”.

At the exhibition opening ceremony, Nyuwen Hao, a student of the Irkutsk State University, performed as a Chinese folk instrument virtuoso.

The exhibition features over 100 works by famous Chinese photographers and more than 60 paintings. The latter depict mountains and water bodies, Chinese landmarks, birds and flowers, including peonies - a symbol of power, glory, wealth and prosperity in China.

China's achievements in science, industry, sports and creative work were displayed on banners in the university hall. Thus, the students had a chance to learn more about the history of China. The country is particularly focused on environmental issues and preservation of such rare animal species as pandas, red-footed ibis, etc.

Moreover, the university hall was made to house a real fair of Chinese culture. The participants were offered to test their skills in the martial art of Tai Chi, dress up in national Hanfu costumes, and make traditional Chinese hairstyles.

Students had special interest in master classes on origami and calligraphy, playing guzheng. The organizers shared the secrets of tea ceremony. One of the sections offered visitors to apply Beijing opera-style makeup on a mask. Beijing opera sees makeup as a key tool that conveys the mood and a character's personality. For example, red means loyalty and courage, yellow is for temper, and white - for treachery and malice.

Olga Medvedyeva, a student of the Institute of Aircraft Machine Building and Transportation enjoyed the festival. She won a prize in the wooden arrow throwing competition: 

"I was quite impressed by the tasteful design of the main building. I will especially remember the interactive activities on the Chinese traditions”.

The official opening of the festival and a concert of Chinese art took place on the same day. INRTU students and employees are invited to the concert of the Ice House Chinese musical group to be held at the university assembly hall on October 13 at 16:00.

Photo by Arseny Chekmaryov