DAYU, Jiangxi, June 14 (WSH) –– An exhibition and donation ceremony titled “Wang Yangming and Nanan” was held on June 14 at the Mudanting Cultural Park in Dayu County, Jiangxi Province. Renowned Chinese painter Guo Youhe donated 36 of his original Chinese ink paintings to the county for permanent collection, offering a rich cultural tribute to the legacy of Wang Yangming and enhancing local artistic heritage.
A Tribute to the Sage of Heart-Mind Philosophy
During the donation ceremony, Mr. Guo emotionally recounted his creative journey. His works reflect deep admiration for Wang Yangming, the great Ming Dynasty philosopher and founder of the “Unity of Knowledge and Action” doctrine. Guo immersed himself in historical texts and retraced Wang’s footsteps during his tenure in southern Jiangxi. Through brush and ink, he vividly portrayed scenes of Wang educating the people and maintaining social order in Dayu, conveying not only respect for the sage but also reflections on the creative transformation of traditional Chinese culture.
A certificate of permanent collection was officially presented to Guo Youhe by Dayu County officials.
Historic Echoes in Contemporary Brushwork
Following the ceremony, guests and visitors toured the exhibition. The paintings use vivid artistic language to revive historical moments, allowing viewers to experience the spiritual essence of Wang Yangming’s philosophy as it unfolded in Nanan. Each artwork serves as a portal into the past, resonating with the thoughts of “seeking innate knowledge” and “unity of thought and action.”
“Dayu’s majestic landscapes and rich cultural atmosphere are my sources of inspiration,” Guo noted. “These paintings are not just historical reconstructions, but also my artistic interpretation of Dayu’s unique cultural temperament.”
About the Artist
Guo Youhe hails from Tangshan, Hebei Province, and is a graduate of the Chinese Painting Department of the PLA Academy of Art and the Beijing Fine Art Academy’s advanced program. Known for blending real-life sketching with traditional techniques, Guo’s style merges landscapes, birds-and-flowers, and figure painting in both meticulous and freehand forms, showcasing a wide and distinctive artistic path.
Cultural Heritage Deepens Local Identity
This donation marks a significant addition to Dayu County’s cultural treasure trove. It also reinforces the county’s strategy of cultivating local cultural resources and promoting its image as a “Sacred Land of Yangming.” The collection is expected to inspire cultural confidence and foster stronger grassroots appreciation of traditional Chinese values.
(Reported by Ye Gongfu & Peng Qingyun)
