Listening to artist Alex discuss about Western art history

Background

Socrates once said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." In this era which changes rapidly, it is crucial to cultivate students to explore their potential and create a collaborative and sharing atmosphere for them. To achieve this, We regularly invites elite parents from various industries to give lectures, providing students with the most cutting-edge resources and cultivating their academic interests while expanding their international perspectives.

Throughout the History of Western Art

Starting from the Masterpieces

Awakening the Imagination of Children

And their Expression of Art History

SPEAKERS

Alex 陈奉磊

G4 Leica/Louis's dad

• Master of Industrial Design, China Academy of Art.

• Member of Ningbo Haishu District Artists Association.

• After graduation and study tour around Europe, he taught at Zhejiang Shuren University.

• Part of the original works of watercolor series "HD" are exhibited in the United Kingdom.

SUSPENSE FILM

"THE LAST SUPPER"

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is undoubtedly one of the first works that comes to mind in Western art history. The composition of an equilateral triangle is seen in the interest of the Renaissance period in Neoplatonism. The Greeks used geometry to express the perfect heavenly realm, which Leonardo da Vinci used to celebrate Christ as the embodiment of heaven on earth.

Alex analyzes the composition of the painting, starting with Jesus at the center, with six disciples on each side, together forming four triangles. This creates a tense and dramatic atmosphere, yet behind it lies the beauty of mathematical and structural order.

Even Geniuses Experience Failure, 

and the Dinner will Eventually Disappear.

Alex explains: This "Last Supper" was painted in the dining hall of a monastery, with the back of this wall being the kitchen, which is constantly exposed to moisture and heat, causing the oil paint, which is not breathable, to gradually peel off. The mural began to deteriorate within a few years, and da Vinci himself attempted to remedy it many years later, but to no avail. Besides, the damp environment in Milan underground, coupled with the limited lighting in the dining hall, all these factors together exacerbated the disappearance of this masterpiece.

As such, this famous painting not only embodies the beauty of art, but also represents a profound reflection on religion, art and history.

BREAKING THE 

BOUNDARIES OF TIME & SPACE

Next, Alex led us into the painting world of another master, Raphael. "The School of Athens" depicts the ceremony of the Academy of Athens, hosted by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, as its subject matter. It embraces an extremely inclusive and open-minded ideology, breaking the boundaries of time and space. Based on the seven liberal arts of antiquity—grammar, rhetoric, logic, mathematics, geometry, music, and astronomy—it celebrates humanity's pursuit of wisdom and truth. 

It is worth noting that the image of Plato is based on the elderly appearance of Leonardo da Vinci, expressing Raphael's profound respect for his predecessors!

Moreover, Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam is regarded as one of the greatest frescoes in the history of art, depicting a grand scene with over 300 figures. Even Raphael, who was in competition with Michelangelo, sincerely exclaimed upon seeing it, "I am fortunate to have been born in the same era as Michelangelo".

In summary, Leonardo da Vinci exists like a wise and profound philosopher, Michelangelo is passionate and unrestrained, and Raphael embodies tranquility, elegance, and refinement.

A Window into Western Art

Throughout the history of Western art, from the Old Stone Age to the New Stone Age, from the art of the Renaissance to the Renaissance in other European countries, from 18th-century European art to contemporary art, and from Fauvism and the Paris School to Expressionism. 

Alex has led us to experience the connection between two cultures thousands of miles apart in a small theater, and through the perspectives of three masters, we saw the "ups and downs" of the entire history of Western art.

We sincerely invite more parents to join our lecture series project, creating a common and hopeful future for our children!