The first beginners’ level of Chinese painting course started almost a year ago, on Jan 2019 and the course was very well appreciated by the participants. The theme for the beginners’ class was about flowers and birds, more precisely about traditional flower-and-bird painting, such as plum, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum, lotus, etc. The teaching and training focused on basic ink brushstrokes. In February 2020, the beginner’s course was offered for new applicants and an intermediate level of Chinese painting course was developed for those who wish to pursue their passion for Chinese painting. The response was very positive with a total of 65 applicants who are mainly teaching & administrative staff and students of the University of Mauritius as well as members of the society. The Chinese painting course at CI-UoM is now divided into beginner’s and intermediate classes. The theme for the intermediate class is about Chinese landscape paintings. The participants are mostly local artists and thus more emphasis is put on creativity, advanced painting techniques and skills.
Professor Zhang Kangfu delivering a lecture on Chinese painting, March 2020 (pre-lockdown)
Chinese painting is a unique Chinese traditional culture. While mastering painting skills, Mauritian students appreciate the charm of Chinese painting. At the end of the Chinese painting courses, CI-UoM shall organise an exhibition for teachers and students to display their works of the art of Chinese painting. Zhang Kangfu, the teacher of the Chinese Painting class, is Professor of Art and Design at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (ZSTU), the Chinese partner institution of Confucius Institute at UoM.
The course, which started well in Feb 2020, was interrupted abruptly on 19th March 2020 following national lockdown due to COVID-19. But there was no stopping Professor Zhang who persevered with online delivery of the course. It was a fresh and unique experience for everyone and the end-results are amazing! The photos of a sample of the paintings speak for themselves.
Professor Zhang Kangfu holding Chinese painting session online during lockdown period
A sample of paintings performed by participants at Beginner’s level
A sample of paintings performed by participants at Intermediate’s level
