The Chinese calligraphy and painting market is experiencing a significant boom. Exhibitions and auctions are now held regularly across the country, drawing large crowds. What’s interesting is that not only professional artists are participating, but more and more "outsiders" are also stepping into this world, with some even being considered part of the "mainstream" group.
One notable example is CCTV host Zhu Jun, who recently posted his own paintings on Weibo, revealing his close connection with the renowned Chinese painter Fan Zeng. This sparked a wave of online discussion, with netizens offering both praise and critique. Some joked, “This fish is too fierce,†while others said, “A man with depth, but still needs improvement.â€
Zhu Jun was once an apprentice to Fan Zeng, and his passion for traditional Chinese art has been well-known. During the preparations for the 2023 Spring Festival Gala, he was seen painting early in the morning instead of focusing solely on rehearsals. On January 21st, he shared a photo on Weibo: “Good morning! This is my first time at the Spring Festival Gala. I had some time to paint before the makeup rehearsal. Sun!†Later that day, he posted three of his works, saying, “My morning’s creations, please correct me.†The paintings featured sketches of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, showcasing a natural and free style reminiscent of Fan Zeng's work.
Fan Zeng, known as a master of traditional Chinese painting, has always appreciated Zhu Jun’s dedication. According to insiders, Zhu Jun has been seriously studying under Fan Zeng for over a year, not just for show, but out of genuine interest. In fact, their relationship dates back to when Zhu Jun participated in Fan Zeng’s “Art Life†program. He once mentioned that after filming the show, he stayed with Fan Zeng for dinner and missed him greatly after several weeks without classes.
Zhu Jun also shared photos of himself watching Fan Zeng paint. In one image, he stood quietly, observing closely. He remarked, “Finally, Mr. Fan Zeng has time to teach here. He’s painting ‘Yueyang Tower’—so strong! I really don’t know how many classics are stored in his mind!â€
In recent news, Fan Zeng has been actively involved in exhibitions, with a solo show at Rongbaozhai Gallery set to run until the 27th. The exhibition features 181 of his recent works, highlighting his artistic development over the past year. While some may find it intriguing that he’s painting during a busy period, critics like Zhao Shulin suggest that celebrity involvement in the arts can be controversial, yet it might also help spark public interest in traditional culture.
Ma Wenquan, a viewer, commented on Zhu Jun’s work: “From a layman’s perspective, the three paintings have issues with brushwork and vitality. For example, the first leaf looks frosted, the second lacks power, and the third bird’s mouth is off. But as a hobby, it’s still quite good.â€
It’s not uncommon for CCTV hosts to dabble in painting. In 2010, Zhu Jun’s artwork was auctioned at a charity event, fetching 60,000 yuan. Similarly, other hosts like Dong Hao and Zhao Zhongxiang have long been involved in the arts. Dong Hao, a former art teacher, often paints Peking opera characters and claims to be more of a painter than a host. Ni Ping has also showcased her Chinese ink paintings in her books, while Zhao Zhongxiang is famously known for his donkey sketches.
These celebrities may not all aim to become professional painters, but their involvement in the arts highlights a growing trend of cross-disciplinary creativity. Whether for personal expression or public engagement, their contributions continue to shape the evolving landscape of Chinese calligraphy and painting.
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