"Life is the source of inspiration." These words embody the spirit of Huang Zhou, the legendary Chinese artist whose brush strokes brought to life the stories of China's southern shores. Often hailed as "the people's artist," Huang Zhou captured the essence of everyday moments—from women's militias and seaside villages to the spirited animals he encountered.
Marking the centenary of his birth, a major retrospective exhibition has opened, drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience his vibrant legacy. We walked through the exhibition with his daughter, Liang Ying, who shared memories that brought a smile to her face.
"He loved life—wherever he went, he fell in love with it," Liang reminisced.
Born in 1925 in a village in Hebei province, Huang Zhou's passion for exploration led him across China—from the vast landscapes of Xinjiang and Fujian to the expansive waters of the South China Sea. This sea, the country's largest offshore area and one of China's four major seas, was a lifelong muse for the artist.
At age 37, Huang Zhou first journeyed to the South China Sea in 1962. He returned five more times, sketching frontline life during defensive battles in the Xisha Islands and later serving as a cultural envoy for the People's Liberation Army Political Department. His travels took him from Hainan to the Xisha Islands, where he painted navy sailors and coastal life, leaving behind hundreds of sketches and photographs—a vivid visual archive of his time.
Liang Ying shared a touching story: "There was a militia member who had participated in the Xisha defense battle. My father had sketched him. His child came across the sketch in one of our books and said, 'This is my father.' It was really moving."
Wu Hongliang, president of the Beijing Fine Art Academy, highlighted the multifaceted nature of Huang Zhou's life: "This exhibition showcases Huang Zhou's many roles—as a soldier, a husband, a father, a collector, and a key promoter of China's fine arts industry."
Beyond his artistic creations, Huang Zhou was instrumental in shaping China's art scene. He was a founding member of the China National Academy of Painting and established the Yan Huang Art Museum.
From the waves of the Xisha Islands to the shores of Hainan, Huang Zhou immortalized the South China Sea through his art. With brush in hand, he captured memories that continue to resonate, ensuring his legacy will never fade.
