Editor’s note: Themed on “Chasing the Light”, 2025 CAFA Graduation Season kicked off at CAFA Art Museum in early summer. Surrounded by diversified creations, visitors may find that some of graduates chose performance to burst their inner impulses, some chose to interact with the space to build their visual tension, and some got inspired from traditions to bring about more contemporary creative appearances. More young creators are paying their attention to drawing materials from the life around them, trying to capture the multiple realities of emotions, experiences and thoughts...
In these cases, the collisions between individual experience and the external world, between new and old media, as well as between virtual life and real life have repeatedly inspired their creativity that may not be perfect but fresh. In the poster of 2025 CAFA Graduation Season, a symbolic apple is outlined in a constantly changing form under the illumination of light. CAFA graduates who believe in “light”, follow the light in their hearts and present their initial explorations of “what art is” that have been honed for several years at their degree shows. Featuring interviews with graduates, “CAFA Graduates Who Believe in ‘Light’”, invites graduates to talk about their creative stories from a more microscopic and in-depth perspective, and we would like to share and convey the “light” in the hearts of young people through these candid and vivid narrations.
Glitter
By He Qing, School of Experimental Art and Sci-Tech Art
My graduation project is actually a summary and extension of my creative work during my doctoral studies. This series begins with the paintings of “clouds” and “qi (flow of energy)”, presenting a state of “endless life” that may be invisible but always surrounds us. Guided by my supervisor Zhang Yanzi, I first experienced the clouds in Eighty-Seven Immortals, I have tried ink painting and finally found my own expression. Not only did they achieve my initial idea, but some of them also showed an airy sense. Sometimes other small ideas were derived from them, such as light and shadow installations, and my plans were produced step by step, among them some have reached the ideal effects or even beyond, and I have received unexpected surprises.
Glitter I, 38x54cm, Watercolor on paper, 2024.
Glitter III, 54x38cm, Watercolor on paper, 2024.
The “light” in “Glitter” contains hope, time, speed and a sense of fuzzy distance. I want to convey a moment that has been cut off, an untouchable existence, the feeling of a beautiful moment, and the slight spring breeze that caresses my cheeks.
Glitter XXXIV, 78 x108cm, Watercolor on paper, 2024.
Glitter XI, 20x54cm, Watercolor on paper, 2024.
Glitter 2025, 38 x 54cm, Watercolor on paper, 2025.
The medium applied in “Glitter” is mainly watercolor. There are history and culture that iterate over time in tradition, but new media has an uncertain charm. For creators, the emergence of new media has expanded their thinking, creative methods and expression. The choices and function of media constitute the creative process, which is determined by the creative idea of an artist. I believe that the medium is the “invisible support” in the creation, and it supports a creator’s ideal.
Exhibition View
At the beginning of my creation, I was trapped by the shape of clouds for a while. When I realized the appearance of my work, I was troubled by the technology again. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of different pigments, even if they are from the same manufacturer, since they may differ in ingredients. Each of my work was achieved through many experiments including the effect of colors flowing in the image, the stacking and squeezing colors in the flow, and the frequent competition between painting speed and air humidity.
Visual Effect
The Creative Process
The Installation View
The Installation View Testing
The Installation View
My love for art comes from my grandfather’s dedication to traditional calligraphy and painting. He was born in a traditional family, and his father required him to practice calligraphy every day since he was a child. In my family, every member has supported me and encouraged me in their own way. It is “home” that provides me with the most primitive motivation, a love of doing it in the blood.
Exhibition View
I was so fortunate to meet good teachers, who guided and encouraged me in their words and deeds, without them, I would not be where I am today. Finally, there are like-minded friends who have always been with me and supported me.
He Qing experimented in the installation.
Text and Image Courtesy of He Qing, edited (EN) by Sue/CAFA ART INFO.
