In 2025, the Branch of the Central Academy of Fine Arts of the China Democratic League will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its founding. Under the great attention and guidance of the Party Committee of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, with a sincere heart of respecting history and paying tribute to our predecessors, we will hold the "Art for Life – Exhibition of Artworks by Members of the China Democratic League at CAFA and Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the Branch of the Central Academy of Fine Arts of the China Democratic League".
The exhibition brings together the fine masterpieces of 24 participating artists, covering diverse artistic forms such as painting, sculpture, architecture, video, design, and books, constructing an artistic scroll that spans time and space. Among the exhibits, there are classic works by senior art masters of the China Democratic League such as Wu Zuoren, Liu Kaiqu, Li Hua, and Dai Ze, which embody profound explorations into the essence of art. There are also elaborate works by retired members like Jiang Caiping, Zhai Xinjian, Li Yang, and Xu Ping, continuing the artistic pursuit that is passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, there are innovative practices by young and middle-aged teachers, demonstrating the sense of responsibility and commitment of the China Democratic League members in the new era.
Wu Zuoren, Camel, 1960, ink and color on paper, 87×46cm
Collection of CAFAM
Li Hua, Unity is Strength, 1947, Monochrome Woodcut, 23×17.4cm
Collection of CAFAM
Liu Kaiqu, "Bust of Cai Yuanpei", 1986, Plaster, 24×32cm
Collection of CAFAM
Looking back at the history of the branch, its profound heritage and glorious journey are deeply moving. In 1950, during the early days of the founding of New China, the branch was established under the guidance of the Party's united front policy, with Mr. Wu Zuoren serving as the first chairman. At the beginning of its establishment, the branch attracted a gathering of distinguished talents, including renowned artists such as Liu Kaiqu, Jiang Zhaohe, Li Hua, Zeng Zhushao, Li Zongjin, Hua Tianyou, Wei Qimei, Dai Ze, and Li Hu, as well as prominent theorists like Chang Renxia, Shen Baoji, Cai Yi, Wang Xun, and Wen Jinyang. Later, Mr. Zhang Anzhi, Xiao Shufang, Wei Zuyin, Luo Erchun, Tian Shiguang, and others joined successively, making the branch a talent hub with both high creative standards and profound academic depth, thus laying a solid foundation for the development of the fine arts industry.
Wei Qimei, River Snow, 1970s-1980s, Oil on canvas, 73×100.5cm
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
Dai Ze, "Furong Town, Xiangxi, Hunan", 1986, watercolor on paper, 39.5×27.5cm
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
Wen Jinyang, "Construction Site of Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge", 1954, wood panel with oil paint, 41.5×53.5cm
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
Xiao Shufang, "Rainbow", around 2000, ink and color on paper, 68×71cm
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
Luo Erchun, "Mountain Ridge", 20th century, oil on canvas, 73×92cm
Collection of CAFA Art Museum
Over the past seventy-five years, through trials and tribulations, the branch has upheld the tradition of the China Democratic League of "advocating for national affairs and concerning about people's livelihood", adhered to the original aspiration of "art for the people", and under the leadership of the Party, has written an epic that resonates with the times. In the 1950s, Mr. Liu Kaiqu, Wu Zuoren, Hua Tianyou, Zeng Zhushao and other gentlemen participated in the creation of the reliefs of the Monument to the People's Heroes, while Mr. Wang Xun and Li Zongjin devoted themselves to the design of the national emblem, forging the spiritual coordinates of the country through art. In the 1980s, it took the lead in establishing the Beijing Calligraphy and Painting Art Research Association and held the "Wen Yiduo Art Exhibition", injecting vitality into the recovery of the fine arts cause. Entering the 21st century, it has made in-depth efforts in the fields of aesthetic education infiltration, national image design, and rural revitalization, serving national strategies with professional expertise and vividly practicing the oath of "creating for the people and writing a biography for the times".
"Art for Life" is not only an artistic proposition put forward by Mr. Wu Zuoren, but also the spiritual core inherited by the branch. It emphasizes that art should take root in the national soil, reflect the style of the times, and serve the needs of the people, guiding generation after generation of league members to move forward steadily. Here, we would like to express our gratitude to the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, the Beijing Municipal Committee of the China Democratic League, the Dongcheng District Committee of the China Democratic League, and the Chaoyang District Committee of the China Democratic League. We also pay tribute to the Party Committee of the Central Academy of Fine Arts and various departments that have cared about the construction of the branch, which has enabled us to sort out the precious materials of our predecessors and present the artistic charm and spiritual demeanor of the ancestors in a complete manner.
Standing at the new starting point of the 75th anniversary, may all members of the Central Academy of Fine Arts Alliance take this exhibition as an opportunity, under the strong leadership of the school's Party Committee, to carry forward the glory of our predecessors, bravely shoulder the mission of the times, devote themselves to creation and education with full enthusiasm and exquisite skills, and make greater contributions to the prosperity of China's fine arts in the new era and to the cultivation of artistic talents who are tasked with national rejuvenation!
Branch of Central Academy of Fine Arts of the China Democratic League
December 2025
主编 / 何一沙
责编 / 杜隐珠
