Lecture review__The Limitations and Freedom of Painting: Starting with My Creation

2026-01-17 13:38By ARTDAFEN

On the afternoon of October 9,2024,Shenzhen Dafen Art Museum invites youProfessor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts,Director of the Third Studio of the Department of Oil Painting;Chen Zijun,director of the China Oil Painting Society and researcher of the Beijing China Contemporary Freehand Oil Painting Research Institute,gave a lecture entitled"The Limitations and Freedom of Painting"in the academic lecture hall of Dafen Art Museum.The lecture was presided over by Zhang Ke,deputy director of the Cultural Development Center of Dafen Oil Painting Village and deputy director of Dafen Art Museum.

Speaker:Chen Zijun,professor of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and director of the third studio of the Department of Oil Painting

Review of the lecture content

This lectureProfessor Chen Zijun gave an in-depth analysis of the theme of the limitations and freedom of painting.The lecture not only attracted the attention of many art lovers,but also provided a new perspective for everyone present to re-examine the art of painting.Professor Chen Zijun first pointed out that the limitations of painting as an art form are obvious.It is both a constraint and an enlightenment.From the splendor of ancient Greece and Rome to the celebration of humanity and values in the Renaissance,the history of art clearly shows how cultural change has driven the development of art.With the evolution of history,Western art has undergone a transformation from classicism to impressionism,to abstract art and pop art.The progress of science and technology,especially the development of photography and videography technology,has brought new possibilities to art,and the integration of art and technology has become a trend that cannot be ignored.However,with the advent of artificial intelligence(AI),the future of painting has raised concerns.The application of AI in the field of realistic painting seems to indicate that the art of painting will face unprecedented challenges.

Professor Chen Zijun went on to talk about the limitations of painting,which actually refers to the limitations of painting as an art form itself.In the midst of this limitation,how the artist insists on himself and recognizes the meaning of painting is the core of this lecture.She believes that artists need to clearly recognize the limitations of painting itself,as well as individual differences and limitations,in order to consciously look for possible ways of development.

When sharing his artistic career,Professor Chen Zijun recalled the process of basic training at the High School Affiliated to Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts after graduating from junior high school,to sketching as an undergraduate,and then to exploring his personal style.She emphasised the importance of styling ability and how it can be improved through long hours of training and personal understanding.

AboveGuangmei High School,1997

Bottom leftGuangmei High School,1997

Bottom rightGraduation creation of Guangmei High School

Upper left,upper right,painting in college,1999

Figure belowPainting in college,1998

Ten Busy Wicked Women,105cm×35cm×10,Oil on canvas,acrylic,2002

*Undergraduate graduation creation

Professor Chan's artistic career has been full of exploration and innovation. She talks about her artistic journey, including how she transitioned from sensual to rational thinking, and her exploration of the choice and use of color, line, and materials, as well as her freedom to switch. Her works reflect not only thinking based on personal emotions and life experiences, but also social changes and human emotions. In the lecture, Professor Chen Zijun introduced a number of series of works created by her, such as "Body Temperature", "Elf", "Everything Grows", "Empty Mountain", "Adjectives" and so on. These works show her continuous exploration and breakthrough in artistic creation, as well as her deep insight into life, humanity and society.

"Body temperature NO.2" 200cmx90cmOil on canvasIn 2010

"Long Hair and Waist Over Six Years", Floor Adhesive Composite Materials, 2015

《Everything grows NO.1》 222cmx665cm Oil on canvas, acrylic 2018

《EMPTY MOUNTAIN NO.1》100cmx100cm Oil on canvas, acrylicIn 2018

She pays more attention to the dispatch of deep feelings and comprehensive elements to move people's hearts.In addition,"Body Temperature"is also an important series in her work,in which she attempts to present body temperature with red tones and depictions of hair,exploring the similar relationship between human nature and animal nature.In the process of creation,Chen Zijun is constantly exploring,and her language style is constantly evolving.

"Nightmare"90cmx147cmOil on canvasIn 2009

In the Q&A session at the end of the lecture,artists and enthusiasts on the scene vied with each other to ask questions on topics ranging from the framing of artworks to the presentation of their works,looking at the picture between the similar and the dissimilar,and how the artist faces the turning point of life.Professor Chen Zijun patiently answered every question and actively communicated with the audience,stimulating the audience's thinking and exploration of artistic creation.