On the night of September 14th, four artists and curators—Ye Jun, Liu Weiping, Tan Xiaozheng, and Deng Siqi—came together online for a long, late-night dialogue about Expressionism, the times, and sincerity. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared both anxieties and commitments: how should art exist in today’s world?
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Ye Jun: Expressionism and the Spirit of the Times
As the founder of Opinion·China·Art Museum, Ye Jun spoke as a curator:
• Expressionism isn’t just a Western invention—China has a deep tradition of expressive art.
• Real art carries the marks of personality and vitality, not just copies of the objective world.
• If an artist’s individual energy is strong enough, it can even shift the direction of an era.
For him, form isn’t the real issue. Sincerity is the only true standard in art.
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Liu Weiping: From Form to True Feeling
Reflecting on his own artistic journey, Liu Weiping admitted he once felt trapped by formalism and even put down his brushes for a time. He stressed:
• The essence of art isn’t about being “impressive” or “ahead,” but about expressing genuine feelings.
• Breaking form only goes so far—what must be protected are truth, goodness, and beauty.
• Art’s social role isn’t about showing off skills, but about using beauty to comfort the human heart.
As he put it: “If I can help others feel light and warmth, that’s the real value of being an artist.”
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Tan Xiaozheng: Media, the Times, and the Individual
As a curator focused on anime aesthetics, Tan Xiaozheng shifted the conversation toward media and individuality:
• At different points in history, the freedom available to artists has always changed.
• The rise of individualism is a key trait of our era, giving more people the chance to leave their mark.
• Whether it’s AI or new media, these aren’t threats—they’re new soil to grow in.
He reminded everyone: “Art either adapts to its time or pushes it forward—but it must never betray personal sincerity.”
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Deng Siqi: Matching Form with Content
Deng Siqi argued that the real challenge isn’t form, but content:
• Academic training can make works look “high-level,” but often lack personal authenticity.
• Form must serve content—otherwise, it’s just an empty shell.
• Artists need to continually “see the world, see others, and see themselves.”
He admitted he’s still learning to let go of envy and comparison, but concluded that sincerity is the foundation.
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Closing Thoughts
This hours-long exchange was part academic discussion, part heartfelt confession. Ye Jun’s “marks of personality,” Liu Weiping’s “comforting the heart,” Tan Xiaozheng’s “freedom of media,” and Deng Siqi’s “matching form and content” all point to the same truth:
In the rush of the times and the pull of the market, only by holding onto sincerity can artists leave behind their own light.