CHINESE TRADITIONAL PAINTING WORKSHOP

GAMBANG — On Friday, May 12, 2023, the UMP Mandarin Language Society (MLS) organised a Chinese traditional painting workshop and renowned Chinese teacher from Confucius Institute, Ms. Zhang Xian, as the workshop instructor.

The main objective of this event was to enhance UMP students' understanding of Chinese culture and art, as well as providing a platform for students to showcase their artistic skills. This workshop drew participants from different races, including Malay and Indian students.

Before the painting session began, Ms. Zhang explained the origins and history of Chinese traditional painting to the participants. Significantly, this not only helped Chinese background students to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture, but also expanded the appreciation of Chinese traditional art among non-Chinese students.

Afterwards, Ms. Zhang guided the students through the intricate strokes of Chinese traditional painting, which can be divided into categories such as figures, landscapes, boundary paintings, fruits and vegetables, animals, insects, and fish. In addition, the pigments used in the paintings include cinnabar, indigo, vermillion, and rouge.

The students were thrilled as Ms. Zhang carefully selected two simple yet elegant Chinese paintings, namely plum blossoms and balsam flower, for the students to have hands-on painting sessions.

After the session, students were encouraged to share their reflections on the workshop. Many found the experience captivating and expressed their hope for the Mandarin Language Society (MLS) to organise similar activities in the future.

In acknowledgement for Ms. Zhang's dedication and commitment for the workshop, Ms. Kang Mei Feng from Centre for Modern Languages (CML) and MLS club advisor, presented her with a certificate of appreciation, along with homemade cookies baked by MLS club’s vice president, Alicia.

Hopefully this workshop, enhanced students' awareness of Chinese traditional art and provide a chance for non-Chinese students to appreciate art from different cultures.

Prepared by: Kang Mei Feng