Noted Artist from China to Give Painting Demonstration at Rider

Noted artist Madam Hengyi Aixinjueluo, grand niece of the last emperor of China and a Visiting Scholar for the 2003-2004 academic years at Rider University, will give a painting demonstration Tuesday, March 23 in Rider University’s Art Gallery.
     Free and open to the public, the demonstration takes place at 7 p.m.  Dr. Minman Wang, professor of communication, will serve as translator.
     “The gathering will enable students and the community-at-large to learn about the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western approaches to painting, said Harry Naar, professor of fine arts and director of Rider’s Art Gallery.  “This gives everyone a first-hand insight into the artistic concepts of a renowned artist who comes from a very strong tradition of Chinese painting.  This tradition is concerned with strict artistic rules and  spiritual ideas that allow her to shape and present the visual world. The experience will introduce or expand students’ understanding of Asian culture.”
     Madam Aixinjueluo’s ink and water color paintings were featured at Rider’s Art Gallery in the spring of 2001 during the University’s International Week.  She began painting at age four, observing the images and imitating the styles and techniques of China’s master painters. At age 14, her grandfather, Pujie, the brother of the last emperor of China, introduced her to several master painters and arranged for them to tutor her on basic techniques. From them, she learned and honed her painting skills.
     She has won her many awards both in China and internationally. Regarded as one of China’s best contemporary painters in brush and ink, Madam Aixinjueluo was invited to reside in the United States in 1999, and since then has been teaching Chinese painting in  North Brunswick. Her art show in Saratoga, NY, attracted many visitors and won her new admirers, including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
     Besides painting, Madam Aixinjueluo also enjoys writing. Her first book on the history of the Qing Dynasty is forthcoming by NHK TV Japan, which also plans to turn it into a movie. The book includes historical facts collected from family members. It is expected to contain never before published information concerning her great grandmother, Empress Cixi, and other emperors of the late Qing Dynasty.
     For more information, call Naar at (609) 895-5588.

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