en.humanrights.cn: In 2020, the coronavirus has caught us off guard. Faced with this raging epidemic, China took decisive measures to fight against COVID-19. The fight has tugged at the heartstrings of calligraphers and painters across China. In Shanxi, three artists have created themed works, translating their talents into a powerful cultural weapon to contribute to the epidemic prevention and control.
Zhou Lifang is one of China's top-rated artist and a member of the Taiyuan Artists Association. She was moved when she saw that Doctor Baha Guli from the Xinjiang medical team aiding Hubei dance with patients. She was inspired and composed The Most Beautiful Angel.
en.humanrights.cn: Hello, Ms. Zhou! You have been an avid supporter of public service and you sent your paintings to frontline medical staff in Wuhan during this epidemic. Why did you send them your paintings? How did you make it?
Zhou Lifang: I saw a lot of reports on the epidemic at that time. A post went viral on the Internet about a doctor in Xinjiang's medical team at a makeshift hospital in Wuhan. Her name was Baha Guli. She led the patients at the makeshift hospital to dance together. When people become sick their state of mind can be crucial. They need treatment but their state of mind is also very important. So, when I saw the video. I was touched. Though I could not fight on the frontline like medical workers, soldiers, police officers and other professionals. I wanted to do something for them.
en.humanrights.cn: Was your painting about snow lotus?
Zhou Lifang: Yes. Snow lotus came to my head when I drew the painting. Snow lotus embodies pure spirit. You can also see the rolling mountains on the painting. Chinese people are like the lofty and majestic mountains as their backup force to support them.
en.humanrights.cn: Did your painting reach the medical workers from the Xinjiang medical assistance team?
Zhou Lifang: There were several batches of medical teams that had been sent from Xinjiang. The Dr. Baha Guli, was from the second batch. I tried several different ways to get in touch with her team and finally contacted her through chinaxinjiang.cn. I sent my painting to them. Normally, it takes three to five days for a package to be delivered to Wuhan from Shanxi. However, on this occasion, it took more than ten days.
en.humanrights.cn: Then why did you try so hard to do this?
Zhou Lifang: Because I was very grateful to her. I was not able to be at the frontline of the fight against the epidemic. But she was an embodiment of positive energy for all the medical staff and patients. If you contract the virus and have to stay in a makeshift hospital, you will not have your family by your side and might feel helpless. They could only count on our medical staff. I think that, under those circumstances, Dr. Baha Guli not only conquered her own fear and helplessness but also encouraged other people to be brave in the face of the virus. I admire her from the bottom of my heart.
I often think back to the moment when the Xinjiang medical team received the painting The Most Beautiful Angel. They said on the spot "We will not let the Party and the people down. We will accomplish the task." I felt so happy when I got this feedback. I felt satisfied because I had made it and contributed my share.
en.humanrights.cn: There is a group of people whom we call "the most beautiful heroes". They risk their own lives to help those in need. What do you think of them?
Zhou Lifang: They certainly deserve to be called "the most beautiful". In any era, especially under special circumstances, each person has his or her unique missions to accomplish. During the epidemic, I read a lot of reports about frontline doctors in Hubei. Many of them are not far from me. Some have just had babies. Some have elderly parents at home who need to be taken care of. Some get sick themselves. There were lots of heartwarming stories. I shed tears every time I read them.
During the epidemic, people realize that doctors, soldiers, community volunteers and many unsung heroes deserve respect from every one of us for the sacrifices that they have made. They deserve the title of "the most beautiful heroes" and the utmost respect. Their names deserve to be carved in a historic monument.
Our country has gone through numerous difficulties but we have managed to live through them. Why? Because Chinese people are united when facing challenges. We work together in face of a crisis. The blood flowing in our veins, the tradition, and the spirit of the nation are distinct. So, I believe this pandemic has been another good test for our country and every one of us.
en.humanrights.cn: Xu Jinping is a member of the China Artists Association and vice president of the Shanxi Artists Association. During the epidemic, he created the painting Waiting for the Spring and the Blossoms. This painting depicts the scene of the brisk spring. In the center is a magnolia tree in bloom with a couple of birds chirping on a high perch. Behind the magnolia tree is some large banana leaves which symbolize the vigor of spring. The magnolia is the flower of spring and a symbol of pure friendship. In the face of the grave epidemic, the painter created Waiting for the Spring and the Blossoms to acclaim the selflessness and sacrifices of the frontline heroes and to express his expectations for the comeback of 2020 spring. The painting was auctioned and the money was donated to the China Charity Federation to support the fight against the epidemic in Wuhan.
en.humanrights.cn: Hello, Mr. Xu. You took part in a charity auction during the epidemic and donated the money directly to the fight against COVID-19. Why did you do this?
Xu Jinping: From January to March, shtv.net.cn of CCTV hosted a large charity auction entitled "Beauty and Charity Goes On". It was jointly hosted by Beijing Rongbaozhai Auction Ltd. and the China Charity Federation involving 100 renowned calligraphers and painters across the country. When the notice was issued, more than 100 avid calligraphers and painters responded. I composed a painting on a scroll that was roughly 1.3 meters wide. It is called "Waiting for the Spring and the Blossoms". It expresses my thinking. During that auction, we managed to collect more than 10 million yuan, all of which went to the China Charity Federation. We each got a certificate for it.
en.humanrights.cn: What do you think of the impacts of these collection campaigns and the exhibitions of photos, calligraphic pieces and paintings on the epidemic prevention and control?
Xu Jinping: The Shanxi Artists Association hosted several major events. One of them was called "Fighting the Epidemic" and "Waiting for the Spring and the Blossoms". We received more than 600 pieces of work from calligraphers and painters. We selected more than 300 out of them. After being exhibited at the Shanxi Art Museum, they were donated to the nurses and doctors on the frontlines to express our respect.
As an artist, I share the same feelings with other people across the country. There was not much that I could do apart from using my paintbrushes to applaud and encourage the heroes in the fight. I believe that our works have played a positive role in the national battle against COVID-19.
These 300 pieces are exquisite. Everyone, including the elderly artists poured their talent into them without reservation. The medical staff were greatly moved on seeing the works. It helped keep up their spirits. This artistic form gave energy to every spectator and encouraged them to brave challenges to clinch a victory.
en.humanrights.cn: Niu Baoming is a member of the. China Hard-Pen Calligraphy Association and Shanxi Poetry Association. During the epidemic, he called upon calligraphers and painters across the province to contribute their works to the Collection of Works on the Fight against the Epidemic which was donated to the Shanxi Library.
en.humanrights.cn: Hello, Mr. Niu. The calligraphic pieces and paintings that we saw were composed by artists from across the province with the topic of epidemic prevention and control. They were donated to the library. You planed and organized the campaign. Why did you do this?
Niu Baoming: As a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC), I was thinking about what I could do to contribute my share to the battle. The Donghu Painting and Calligraphy Academy and the Qingxu Library wanted to do this well. So, I did the Collection. I collected calligraphic pieces hoping to drum up support for the fight against COVID-19.
en.humanrights.cn: What are your thoughts after watching the donation ceremony and viewing the works composed by the artists?
Niu Baoming: I believe that facts speak louder than words. Our country has controlled the epidemic. Why? First, President Xi personally directed this battle; second, there are over 90 million CPC members; third, governments at all levels as well as the media are making every effort to win this battle. When we join hands, we are like making a fist. If you raise just one finger, it's just an individual's strength. If we make a fist, it gathers strength of all.
So, the Chinese people are not afraid of gossips and slanders. We have stood up on our feet and become stronger. No matter what western countries say facts speak louder than words. Our people have gained peace, happiness and health. Under the leadership of the CPC, we will not only win this battle against the epidemic but also become stronger in every respect standing like a giant in the east of the world.
en.humanrights.cn: In the face of the outbreak, people across the entire country have come together and helped each other in the fight against the virus. There are many other calligraphers and painters like Xu Jinping, Zhou Lifang and Niu Baoming who have joined the fight through their paintings to encourage people.
Winning the battle requires science, solidarity and unswerving belief. Moreover, we need the strength of culture and art. The exquisite works by the artists have played a positive role in this battle. Not only did they extoll the frontline heroes who stuck to their posts, treated infected patients and safeguarded people's health, they also recorded history. Thank you for watching and see you in our next program.
