East and West in harmony: American professor admires Liu Wanming's art

In March 2025, Martin Joseph Powers, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan and visiting professor at Peking University, visited the Chinese National Academy of Painting, where he had the opportunity to explore the studio of Chinese artist Liu Wanming. He was most impressed by the work of "The magic of albino ink painting".

"Liu Wanming is fully in command of both the Chinese tradition and European realism and naturalism - and he combines them perfectly. This is precisely the meaning of the expression 'Zhong Xi Rong He', the fusion of East and West." said Professor Powers.

Liu's art is based on the philosophy of "read first, paint later". His work combines precision Song Dynasty with freedom Yuan Dynasty, specialising in depictions of flowers, birds and wildlife. He uses traditional Chinese techniques, while maintaining a sensitive view of nature.

Whether he creates monumental canvases or delicate sketches, his works always reflect the harmony between man and nature - in the spirit of a deep cultural and aesthetic connection between the two worlds.

CMG