Source: CCTV.com
05-12-2009 10:02
It comes as no surprise that many artists come from families where previous generations have been immersed in art. In other cases, a wealthy patron is the key. Neither is the case for Wu Dongkui. He was born into a family that was destitute. The 52-year-old painter has emerged from obscurity to become a bright light on the contemporary Chinese art scene. On today's the List, we learn the story of Wu Dongkui, who paved a solid career path from a life full of drama.
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Wu Dongkui's life, his avocation, his calling have been painting in bamboo for 30 years. Like the ancient Chinese literati, he holds bamboo in great esteem. Bamboo's amazing versatility, strength and beauty, place it in a more elevated role in Chinese culture than any other plant species. Bamboo is regarded as a token of the virtues, of resoluteness, modesty and chastity.
Painter Wu Dongkui said, "When I paint bamboo, I always choose big brushes. I will soak the brush in six different shades of ink. I always get the work done in a single session. That answers for bamboo's upright and tenacious nature."
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Born in an impoverished rural family in Heze city of Shandong Province, Wu Dongkui's spent his childhood leading a life of penury. Food and shelter never were secure. He went hungry most days. The family's ramshackle house toppled during hard rain.
His early nurturing in art came from his mother. She created folk handicrafts to give colour to the family's otherwise miserable life. A beggar added to Wu Donkui's schooling by giving the boy tips on basic drawing.
In those days, drawing became Wu Dongkui's greatest source of happiness.
