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Sketch is Calling: Reading Du Jianqi's Sketches

Reading Du Jianqi's sketches evokes an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, akin to the excitement of studying and appreciating sketching after a long time. This feeling is not only due to the genuine emotions and skills reflected in the visual images but also because of the profound spirituality, humanity, love, benevolence, and beauty embedded within them, leaving readers with a lasting impression.

Those familiar with Du Jianqi know that he has long been dedicated to foundational teaching. His reputation in basic teaching is well-earned, thanks to his solid sketching skills and rigorous, effective teaching methods. These skills stem from his diligence and artistic talent, and his teaching success is undoubtedly linked to his passionate dedication and profound love for foundational teaching.

When examining Du Jianqi's sketch art and contrasting it with contemporary art styles and methods like AI and ChatGPT, one can't help but question the relevance of sketching in the modern era. As installation and video art dominate the global art scene, and as new conceptual forms and the era of imagery emerge, is sketching still the foundation of all visual arts? Will those thought-provoking sketches and creative drafts still captivate readers? Perhaps one day, sketches will only be viewable in museums. Yet, despite the societal shifts, Du Jianqi remains deeply engrossed in his sketching research. His captivating skills continue to accumulate over decades, and his exhibitions consistently promote sketching into the public sphere.

In his sketch training, Du Jianqi insists on enduring perseverance as a fundamental requirement. Through his personal sketching experience and artistic practice, he enables readers to perceive his life pursuits and unwavering confidence and faith in art. He continuously maintains the dignity and boundaries of sketching, revealing a unique style that truly belongs to Du Jianqi. The distinct process and continuity formed over time construct his self-unity. This journey decodes the experiences of an individual in the context of contemporary society, history, and cultural identity. Du Jianqi uses sketching to express his thoughts and emotions, conveying his spiritual ideals. His passionate lines flow freely, while his shading remains restrained and composed. The vivid and authentic texture of his subjects deeply resonates with every viewer who steps into his world of sketches. Without superfluous elements or narratives, his work visually narrates a genuine and heartfelt connection to contemporary individuals and society. Through non-narrative storytelling, he captures concepts, perspectives, attitudes, methods, and deep admiration and affection for his subjects. Within his meticulously constructed sketching realm, he achieves a sense of freedom, yet maintains a noble and refined quality and a commitment to excellence. His restrained and independent approach, unburdened by the pursuit of fame, fully embraces sketching. More precisely, it is sketching that calls to him.

Du Jianqi's sketching method, through his sensitive and skilled approach, becomes a genuine existence and experience of life itself. His dedication to truth, goodness, and beauty is evident in his works, making sketching a medium through which he seeks the source of life. He lives in his world of sketches, continuously seeking his elusive spiritual ideals. This earnest quest defines his sketches as a sincere confession of an individual facing an era's complexities.