Chen Yanqiao Memorial Hall

Chen Yanqiao Memorial Hall

In the Niuhu Community of Guanlan, not far from the Printmaking Base, there is a quiet courtyard. Two tall coconut trees stand on either side of the courtyard gate. Stepping through the gate, a winding path leads to a row of houses. There are three rooms, with white walls and gray tiles — typical Hakka architecture built with local traditional rammed earth. The entire courtyard, aside from the path, is covered with green grass, and there is an ancient well in the yard that still yields clear water today. This rustic Hakka-style enclosed house was the former residence of the renowned printmaking artist and educator Mr. Chen Yanqiao. He was born here and spent his entire childhood in this home.

The room where Chen Yanqiao lived during his lifetime has been arranged as it originally was. The walls display photos of Chen Yanqiao’s parents, his wedding photo, and family portraits with his children. In another room, his creative tools, personal letters, published works, photographs documenting his interactions with Lu Xun, as well as his printmaking pieces are exhibited. In May 2009, the Chen Yanqiao Memorial Hall welcomed a new “member” — a bronze statue of Chen Yanqiao, sculpted by a young artist from the Shanghai Oil Painting and Sculpture Institute.

Chen Yanqiao was born on November 16, 1911, in E’dixia, Niuhu Community, Guanlan Subdistrict. He began painting as a youth and had a solid foundation in art. In 1928, he entered the Western Painting Department of the Guangzhou Municipal School of Art. In 1931, he joined the Western Painting Program at Shanghai Xinhua Art Academy, where he soon began creating prints and joined the Chinese Left-Wing Artists’ Union. In 1933, he began corresponding with Lu Xun and, encouraged and supported by him, continued his work in printmaking. In 1939, he went to Chongqing to work. After 1949, he held positions such as Head of the Fine Arts Section of the Culture Department under the East China Military and Political Committee, and Vice Chairman of the Shanghai Branch of the China Artists Association... More details about Chen Yanqiao ++