My Good Brother Dong Yidian

He Jianning   October 11, 2012

 

A photographer friend came to help me to take photos of my work. He told me at the tea table that Dong Yidian had set an appointment with him too. “How many pieces does he need photos for?” I asked. “30” was the answer. Impressive! Dong is no ordinary guy.

 

We are all familiar with the name Dong Yidian. He works at the Affiliated Middle School of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, and makes quite artistic work. He told me later that he’s officially changed the name on his ID card to “Dong Yidian (literally meaning ‘knowing a little bit’ in Chinese)”. Why? He said he’s been called that way since he was a kid, and it’s more fun. He got his original name back--- good for him.

 

(From left to right) Ye Huanwei, Stephen and Dong Yidian at Dong Yidian's studio

 

Dong was driving us to his studio in Xiaozhou Village. I asked him if he’s publishing a collection of his work. He told us that a company was organizing an exhibition for him and a collection was part of the plan. A friend in the car was impressed and exclaimed with wonder. I told him to learn something from Dong and he nodded earnestly, telling Dong to look out for him--- Dong Yidian’s got a fan now!

 

Dong picked up a call and reported to the other end about his recent work, saying he got the human proportion wrong and the limbs fell short. Dong teased and said: “Just like how you look!” Before the other end could protest, he blurted out: “I’m driving now. Big boss on board. Got to be careful. Talk later.” And he hung up. Students were lining up both sides of the streets sketching in the village. What great passion in art! It’s a miraculous occupation here.

 

Dong Yidian's studio

 

Dong converted his studio from an old temple. It looked like an old mansion from outside, and studio from inside, a real mix of Chinese and western styles. So the name “Dong Yidian” falls inappropriate--- he’s not just “knowing a little bit”; he has to know at least 5 to 6 bits to have this studio! It got a small room as the study now, where huge shelves were filled with art collections and books. Dong’s starting to read more, and it seemed he wanted to be a significant “player”--- at least it looked the part!

 

He took his new work out for our photographer friend. It attracted my attention right away; the work tallied with the climate and culture of Hainan, reflecting both the savage, intense, primitive and mysterious side, and the gentle and tender side; Dong’s able to follow his own thoughts all the time, in a determined way; whenever he has time, he works in the village. I know that he has his own studio there, which is also home to his soul.

 

A corner of Dong Yidian's studio

 

We had an appointment with Guan Zeju (renowned Chinese artist who is acclaimed as one of “the most talented artists” in China) at noon. When we were on the way to Guan’s home, a lady came by and asked Dong Yidian if he needed students, to which he said no. I got it right away: he’s passed the stage where he would teach for money.

 

Guan was in a good mood. I was lucky to see the fruit sketch he did in 1975, the very piece which helped me to set a goal for my art career. Guan then took everyone to eat in the village. The restaurant was under a star-fruit tree, and the guests were all relaxed and comfortable--- mission of happiness accomplished.

 

There were 8 people at the table, including Mrs. Guan and her friends, surprisingly most of us were from Hainan. The Guans had worked and lived in Hainan for more than 20 years too, and we were teasing one another in the Hainan dialect. Someone noticed that Dong Yidian spoke like a Li minority ethnic, and I said: Bingo. He’s an authentic Li ethnic from Hainan.

 

A corner of Dong Yidian's studio

 

Dong Yidian, my brother, a Hainan Li minority ethic, can certainly present Hainan well in his art.

 

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He Jianning is a renowned Hainan artist in Guangzhou, classified as a first class national level qualification Chinese artist. He’s published more than 60 collections of his work. In 2014, the Élysée Palace collected his piece “Dancing to the Music”.