(Photo/China Cultural Center in Mauritius)

An exhibition of over 80 Chinese landscape paintings in Mauritius concluded on August 25. The counselor of the Chinese embassy in Mauritius and the director of the China Cultural Center, Song Yanqun, and more than 150 Chinese painting lovers attended the exhibition.

In July, the China Cultural Center in Mauritius invited Professor Yu Hongjiang, famed painter from Tianjin Normal University, to conduct a six-week training course on traditional Chinese painting, also known as “guohua” (national painting). A brush dipped in black ink or colored pigments is the common tool to paint guohua. The course was fully booked at the first day of registration.

Professor Yu Hongjiang (Photo/China Cultural Center in Mauritius)

The main focus of the course was Chinese landscape painting, which was believed to be the highest form of Chinese painting. Traditional techniques used to depict basic elements of Chinese landscape painting, such as trees, hills, stones, clouds, and water, were first taught separately. Then the students were encouraged to combine several of the elements together and create their own works of art.

(Photo/China Cultural Center in Mauritius)

Many of the students portrayed the scenery of Mauritius in Chinese painting style. All their works were shown at the final exhibition. “Professor Yu told us to observe the ever-changing brushwork and feel the interaction between ink and water. His passion toward this art has touched us deeply. We will continue the learning of Chinese painting!” said a student named Eddy Yeung.

The students and local artists will set up a Chinese painting association, which will be committed to the promotion of traditional Chinese painting in Mauritius.