Lecture Notes on Pan Yuliang

Introduction

• Speaker's affiliation: Friends of the Art Museum for Chinese U.
• Presentation on Pan Yuliang, a significant figure in Chinese art history.
• Initial interest sparked by an exhibition in Taipei, 2006.
• Pan Yuliang often referred to as "female Van Gogh of China".

Early Life

• Born in Yangzhou, 1895; orphaned early.
• Sold into a brothel at 13.
• Rescued by Pan Zanhua, became his concubine and later, second wife.
• Encouraged by Pan Zanhua to pursue painting.

Educational Journey

• Studied at Shanghai College of Fine Arts in 1918.
• Teachers: Wang Jian and Zhu Zishan.
• Studied abroad in France in 1921.
• Graduated from Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris; awarded the Grand Prix de Rome.

Artistic Career

• Became a professor at National Central University, Nanjing in 1931.
• Participated in national arts exhibitions.
• Advocated for reform and modernization in Chinese art.
• Faced criticism for painting nudes, reflecting Western influence.

Later Life and Work

• Returned to France in 1937, continued painting during WWII.
• Active politically, advocated for return of looted Chinese artworks.
• Developed a unique style combining Chinese and Western techniques.
• Faced discrimination due to gender and race.

Legacy and Influence

• First Chinese female artist to paint in Western style.
• Works reflected her complex emotional world and personal experiences.
• Artworks returned to China posthumously to National Art Museum, Beijing.
• Influenced by and connected with many significant figures in art.

Discussion and Modern Relevance

• Comparisons to other female Asian artists facing discrimination.
• Upcoming exhibitions to further explore her influence and legacy.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgement of Pan Yuliang's significance and continued relevance in discussions of gender, race, and art.
• Encouragement to explore more about Pan Yuliang's work and influence.