Woman behind the artist
Updated: 2015-06-18 08:15
By Lin Qi(China Daily)
|
|||||||||||
[Photo/China Daily] |
Liao Jingwen, widow of famed painter Xu Beihong, devoted her life to his legacy, Lin Qi reports.
Liao Jingwen, widow of the great painter and art educator Xu Beihong (1895-1953), died peacefully on Tuesday night at her residence in Beijing. She was 92.
She was reported to have been authenticating a painting attributed to Xu on Monday, when she was last heard talking.
Xu Qingping, son of Liao and Xu Beihong, says: "All her life, she made enormous contribution to the country and especially its art course.
"She fulfilled her duties as a faithful mother and a respected elder of our family. We feel so grateful to her."
Liao is considered "a woman who was born and lived for the sake of Xu Beihong". She was a devoted caretaker and assistant of the artist, who struggled with poor health and juggled many social activities in his late years.
Over the six decades since Xu's sudden death, she immersed herself in the remembrance of her late husband and dedicated herself to extending the influence of his legacy.
Ma Lu, who teaches oil painting at Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts, saw Liao only a few times but was impressed by her elegance and kindness.
"She always wore a red beret in winter, even when she dined," he remembers. "The cap was quite old but made her look spirited. Her family said she liked it so much because she bought it in Paris (where Xu Beihong studied and lived for years)."
"I not only love Xu Beihong. I'm also his admirer," Liao often told media. "When I'm alone, all these sweet memories (between us) re-emerge in my mind. They make me happy. They also bring me agony."
Liao first met Xu when she was 19. Born in Changsha, Hunan province, she traveled to Guilin in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in 1942. At the time Xu was working on the opening of an art college in Chongqing. He went to Guilin to scout for a librarian and interviewed Liao, who was one of the many applicants.
Related Stories
Korean 'glass art' wows Beijing 2015-06-11 09:58
Beijing welcomes the first NUO hotel featuring contemporary art 2015-06-10 11:19
Art Beat:Beijing 2015-06-10 08:16
US dollar inspired art to be auctioned at Sotherby's 2015-06-10 05:00
Take your marks for art world Olympics 2015-06-08 16:22
Today's Top News
Huawei committed to UK expansion
Europe on alarm after first MERS death in Germany
Vote to begin on Hong Kong's election reform
Greek PM tears into lenders as euro zone prepares for 'Grexit'
Belgian King Philippe to visit China
China looks for a place in EC investment fund
Bank of China joins gold auction as first Asian bank
JF-17 fighter makes debut at Paris air show
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |