A Journey of a Thousand Miles—Exhibition for 2011 Outstanding Graduation Works of CAFA Ceremoniously Landed

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TEXT：Sue Wang DATE： 2011.7.26

One of the major figures in Chinese philosophy, Lao Tzu wrote, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with single step.” Taking this allegory, the CAFA Art Museum is honored to present this grand exhibition of the outstanding works from the graduating students of CAFA from July 9th through to August 7th, 2011.

The opening ceremony had many honorary guests, including: Pan Gongkai, the President of CAFA; Tan Ping and Xu Bing who both serve as the Vice Presidents of CAFA; Sun Jingbo, Deputy Director of the Academic Committee; Tang Yongli, Dean of the Academy of Chinese Painting; Li Yang, Vice Dean of the Academy of Chinese Painting; Su Xinping, Dean of the School of Modelling; Cao Li, Director of the Mural Painting Department; Wang Shaojun, Deputy Director of the Sculpture Department; Cao Yu, Executive Editor-in-chief of Beijing Youth Weekly, etc. Pan Gongkai and Xu Bing respectively addressed the people invited while the ceremony was chaired by Wang Huangsheng, Director of CAFA Art Museum.

: A Journey of a Thousand Miles, honorary guests

Wang Huangsheng Addresses at A Journey of a Thousand Miles.

Pan Gongkai reviewed the developing course of “A Journey of a Thousand Miles—Exhibition of Outstanding Graduation Works of CAFA” and described the academic advocates and purposes of this program. He particularly stressed that along with the rapid development of China’s art education, excellent works presented in this exhibition will not only play a leading role in the portfolios of young students but also it reflects the international trends in art. Selected works in this exhibition also demonstrate a self-confident attitude while listening to evaluation from the whole world, thus it provides a typical model in developing countries for higher art education.

Pan Gongkai makes his speech.

Xu Bing expounded the significance of this exhibition as he compared it to an exquisite business card forged by the Central Academy of Fine Arts, through which outstanding graduates can be introduced to society. He thought that the unification of “traditional teaching nutrition”, “sense of responsibility for the Chinese style” and “rich practical teaching” accumulated by the Central Academy of Fine Arts is fully demonstrated in this exhibition.

Xu Bing makes his speech.

Wang Xiaolin, General Director of the Students’ Affair Division introduced the fact that the evaluation standards for this academic exhibition rested with the human spirit and the integrated requirements of innovative practice. He believed that students should be concerned about society and life rather than themselves. Wang Huangsheng said there would be additional financial support for this exhibition which would help the development of outstanding graduates and they would be treated as distinctive artists to be promoted in society as well as the people.

As the co-sponsor of this exhibition, Cao Yu expressed his interest and support for this series of exhibition from the perspective of the media. On behalf of all the graduates in 2011, Ma Jiawei presented their gratitude for such a platform being constructed by the Central Academy of Fine Arts for graduates.

Through the final assessment of a comprehensive selection recommended by schools and departments, the professional academic group and the Academic Committee, excellent creations by 118 graduates and masters covering all the departments and schools in CAFA displayed at the CAFAM will bring a visual feast for all art lovers.

Selected works at this exhibition:

A Journey of a Thousand Miles 17