In order to facilitate exchange between China and the USA in printmaking, upon invitation of the Chinese Art Center of William Paterson University, a delegation of modern Chinese printmaking workers are on an academic exchange visit to William Paterson University from October 26, 2018 on. Professor Qi Xu from the School of Arts of Chongqing University and other 13 Chinese printmaking workers are among the delegation members. Professor Qi Xu is going to deliver lectures and give a demonstration of printmaking at William Paterson University, and attend the exhibition opening ceremony.

Dean of the School of Arts, William Paterson University is addressing the opening ceremony.

Professor Cong Zhiyuan from the School of Arts of William Paterson University is delivering a speech.

A group photograph taken at the opening ceremony of Chinese Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition in New York

 “Rhythm of Time: Chinese Contemporary Printmaking Exhibition in New York” is jointly planned by Professor Cong Zhiyuan of the Chinese Art Center of William Paterson University and Mr. Chen Chao, vice president of China Jiangsu Printmaking Institute, with academic guide of Professor Dairuo Mu’er, dean of the School of Arts and Media, William Paterson University and Professor Dai Daquan, a doctoral supervisor of Tsinghua University, deputy director of Printmaking Art Committee of Chinese Artists Association and deputy head of the Printmaking Branch, China National Academy of Painting. The Exhibition in New York is the first one of the Exhibition. A total of 160 pieces of works by more than 40 outstanding contemporary printmaking workers of China including Professor Qi Xu are being exhibited. The Exhibition will be held in the Chinese Art Gallery in New York from October 27, 2018 to January 27, 2019.

A photo of Professor Qi Xu and Professor Cong Zhiyuan from William Paterson University taken in front of the works of Professor Qi

At 14:30 on October 30, 2018, Professor Qi Xu from the School of Arts of Chongqing University delivered an academic speech on printmaking and made a key demonstration of printmaking and printing on site in the Printmaking Studio of the Art Center of William Paterson University. As part of the demonstration, Professor Qi created two pieces of printmaking works with Chinese cultural characteristics. The two pieces of works are respectively named Blessings Come with the Horse and Pennies from Heaven. Professor Qi Xu explained the characteristics and lucky implied meaning of the Chinese printmaking works, and gave American students an opportunity to appreciate the difference between Chinese printmaking and American printmaking in terms of creation and printing method. After the demonstration, students of the Printmaking Studio took photos with Professor Qi and his works. They expressed their love towards the works of Professor Qi. The students said that Professor Qi “is their favorite teacher because he is witty and kind.”

Onsite demonstration of printmaking by Professor Qi Xu

Blessings Come with the Horse                           Pennies from Heaven

Demonstration works of Professor Qi Xu

Photos of American students with Professor Qi Xu

Professor Qi Xu is teaching American students the skills of printmaking.

Printmaking works by American students finished with guidance of Professor Qi

This is the first time that the American students have participated in creation of woodcut printmaking works. With guide of Professor Qi, they now have their first piece of woodcut printmaking works.

In the demonstration and exchange of printmaking in America, the works involved have distinct cultural features with national characteristics, and reflect the power of national concept. After the printmaking demonstration, Professor Qi Xu donated his printmaking works named Horseshoes Smell Fragrant after Stepping on Flowers, and said that the works reflected his feelings about this event. Professor Qi added that this event is a conversation, collision and fusion between academic power of Chinese printmaking and the printmaking of other countries, and it enriched and diversified the vividness and dimensions of printmaking.