At a time when computers are becoming increasingly popular among Chinese families, more and more children are learning traditional painting and calligraphy through training classes via the Internet.
Experts attending a recent international symposium on art vs. science observed that instead of weakening people's enthusiasm towards classical art, modern science and technology have, to some extent, helped attracted more followers.
Famous Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong believes that science and technology have created new materials for painting.
Chinese rice paper, for instance, is easily damaged or turned yellow although it creates the best artistry for traditional inkwash painting and calligraphy. However, after technical processing, such limitations can be effectively avoided.
Wu even suggests that Chinese artists should try to seek scientific reasons behind a good piece of work by breaking through the traditional way of thinking that artistry is beyond reasoning.
Nobel Prize laureate for physics Lee Tsung Dao believes that the curiosity that stimulates a person to explore natural and universal mysteries is just the same as what encourages one to seek enjoyment through art.
However, the recognition of the close connection between science and art does not mean a negligence of hi-tech's challenge against art.
Participants from 16 countries including the US, France and Japan all believe that advanced technology can only serve as a means of artistic creation, and no matter in what times, a good piece of work should be one with unique artistry.
(People's Daily 06/10/2001)
