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‘Children are such a valuable treasure’
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When veteran artist Zhou Wenfu set up Shanghai’s first children’s imagination art center about 30 years ago, he knew it wouldn’t be a smooth path.
At that time, Chinese children were still taught to “imitate the world they see” rather than “create a world they see.”
Luckily, his art concepts and experiences in inspiring children to use their imagination is now accepted by more Chinese parents.
In January he was invited by Newcastle University to share his expertise with his peers in the United Kingdom. He visited four schools and exchanged ideas with teachers and students, who were interested in this “new art education mode” in China.
Zhou himself is a good example of breaking the shackles of convention. Whether on canvas or rice paper, he paints with passion. His abstract artworks are filled with vitality and wildness.
Q: Is there any difference between the response from the English children and Chinese children when they approached your imagination education?
A: I found there was a big gap in thought between Chinese and foreign kids. The foreign kids were able to fully display their imagination in their paintings while Chinese children painted more realistically and seemed restricted by rules.
I am happy that my idea in children’s artistic imagination is being accepted. You know, sometimes Westerners might have a stereotyped impression that Chinese children are often taught to obey the rules.
Q: What’s the most difficult part in running this children’s imagination art center?
A: The acceptance from Chinese parents. They are more practical and want to see concrete results like winning a painting competition. But my idea is to help the children find their imagination and inspire them, which is totally different from the traditional art education.
Q: Does the imagination center make money?
A: I have no financial support from any company or individual. The tuition fee is quite cheap, only 1,320 yuan (US$214.6) for one semester. I don’t run the center for profit.
Q: How many Chinese children have you taught in the past three decades?
A: Nearly 30,000 children aged from 3 to 18. I am quite proud that some of the students were admitted by top universities around the world, such as Yale and Harvard.
Of course, I am not saying that it was because of my classes, but at least I helped them to see the world from a different perspective. And I can also see the innerside and character of a child through their paintings. The lines and colors that they choose are akin to a visual diary for me.
Q: Do children who attend your classes differ greatly from those who don’t?
A: I liberate their thoughts in many areas. Imagination is important as it makes one see more possibilities in life.
For example, I don’t teach them what to paint. Our class uses music, games and activities that inspire the children. Then they are free to create what they want.
Q: Do you have any plan to expand?
A: It is rather difficult, because there are currently not many qualified teachers. In my eyes, a qualified teacher should be equipped with a profound knowledge of music, art vision and practice. Otherwise, how could they inspire the children?
Q: What’s your ultimate goal for this center?
A: I am dreaming of opening a children’s imagination center in a huge museum-like space that can display the artworks created by the kids.
Children are such a valuable treasure and this should be shared by more people. The “museum” would showcase the works of Chinese children together with creations from children from other parts of the world.
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