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On the afternoon of December 19, student work from the design school’s core courses in drawing and modeling were displayed in the central hall of the architecture building, in a smoothly executed exhibit.

Presiding over the event were vice head of Jiaotong University’s department of educational affairs Chang Chenfeng, as well as the design school’s Dean Ruan Xing, Party Secretary Fang Xi, Deputy Dean Hu Jie, Director of Student Affairs Wu Chao, and other faculty and student representatives.

Vice head of the department of design, Kong Fanqiang conceived of the idea of the exhibition, the theme of which was expressed by the title: “First Design, Embellishment Second.”

Dean Ruan Xing emphasized the importance of cultivating drawing and modeling skills within the design curriculum. He characterized the skills as foundational, as well essential to enhancing students’ aesthetic appreciation.

The exhibit’s name was derived from the aesthetic philosophy described in the Confucian Analects of “draw first, color later” (huishi housu) or in other words “simplicity in painting.” Analogy derived by form, rather than emphasis on color and material can serve as a foundation, uniting different design disciplines.

This exhibit was the continuation of another important exhibition held the school’ three departments this past June. Research exchange and discussion through events such as these help advance the degree of cooperation and integration among the school’s departments.  

Many professors in the design school have earned prestigious awards for their teaching and development of teaching materials for drawing and modeling. For instance, Professor Kong Fanqiang has taught drawing since 1991, and has been awarded for new educational approaches to the subject at the municipal and national levels. 

Wu Zhenggong is a professor that has emphasized skills from the classical school, and Professor Duan Bin has cultivated students' drawing and representation abilities why also encouraging them to give free reign to their artistic visions. Professors Wang Hongwei and Chenting both have a record of artistic achievements as well as have published works on foundational artistic skills.

The school of design presents a unique platform for teaching these skills compared to traditional arts schools. This exhibit featured work from students with backgrounds in the arts, engineering, and agricultural sciences. Under the guidance of faculty, they all were able to achieve a strong foundation in the field of visual communication.

In addition to exhibiting a period of study, the event moreover exhibited an “execution of teaching.” Overall it was a fitting way to celebrate the completion of the school of design’s first year of existence.

Writing by Xu Chang

Photography by Wei Yiwen

Revised Draft by Peng Shulian and Kong Fanqiang

Translation by Abraham Zamcheck