Marking the fifth anniversary of the People’s City initiative, the Shanghai Oriental Publicity and Education Service Center (Shanghai Public Service Advertising Coordination Center) has launched the short video series People’s City: 75 Stories of Brilliance. The series highlights individuals in ordinary roles who contribute to the city’s development, sharing their inspiring journeys of perseverance and growth alongside Shanghai. Among the featured figures is Mr. Lizhou PENG, an emerging artist from the Haipai (Shanghai-style) painting tradition and a distinguished alumnus of the School of Finance and Business (SFB), Class of 2012.
Originally from Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, Mr. PENG studied Economics (Sino-U.S. Program) at SFB before earning a master’s degree from Rennes School of Business in France. As a protégé of renowned artist Ms. Peiqiu CHEN, he has established himself as a prominent young calligrapher and painter. Mr. PENG currently serves as Vice President of the Shanghai Modern Service Industry Federation, Chairman of Shanghai Shisong Culture Communication Co., Ltd., Director of the China Academy of Art's Shanghai Cultural and Creative Experiment Center, and Vice Dean of the Taicang Buddhist Calligraphy and Painting Institute.
His work and expertise in Haipai painting and Siddham script have been widely recognized. He has been featured in the English channel of ICS Scavenger Hunt and leading media outlets including Xinmin Evening News, Oriental Morning Post, and Masters of Fine Arts Classroom. His book The Taste of Serenity, published by the China Academy of Art Press, further reflects his deep engagement with traditional Chinese art. In 2022, he was honored as an “Outstanding Entrepreneur in Shanghai Modern Service Industry”.
A Journey of Growth Surrounded by the Aroma of Books
Influenced by his family, Mr. PENG began studying traditional Chinese culture from a young age and developed a deep passion for calligraphy and painting. His maternal family, the Li family in Xiaogang Street, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, has a long history of cultivating talented personnel, and they maintained close ties with masters such as Mr. Daqian ZHANG. Since childhood, Mr. PENG has been deeply immersed in an artistic environment that has profoundly shaped him.
In the field of painting, Mr. PENG has greatly benefited from the mentorship of the renowned artist Ms. Peiqiu CHEN. He frequently sought guidance from his teacher, who not only placed high demands on technical skills but also emphasized artistic cultivation and cultural depth. This experience has impressed upon him the vast depth of artistic expression in painting, while underscoring the importance of mastering Chinese culture.
In the field of calligraphy, Mr. PENG drew significant inspiration from the esteemed Mr. Puchu ZHAO, whose mastery seamlessly infused Buddhist philosophy into his art. He believes that true excellence in calligraphy stems not only from technical skill but also from a sincere dedication to scholarly pursuits and a foundation of kindness and integrity.
Upholding Tradition and Embracing Innovation
Throughout his artistic journey, Mr. PENG has remained guided by the invaluable mentorship of Ms. CHEN. He has a firm conviction that artistic expression should go beyond personal preference, incorporating diverse perspectives from both fellow artists and the wider public.
During her lifetime, Ms. CHEN wrote the preface for Mr. PENG’s book The Taste of Serenity: A Collection of Calligraphy and Paintings by Lizhou PENG, where she highly praised his artistic achievements. Modestly, Mr. PENG describes himself as 'a leaf that brings about the shine of a flower,' devoted to both preserving and promoting the traditions of Chinese painting.
Mr. PENG delves into classical masterpieces and draws inspiration from nature to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. He also actively collects and studies the works of prominent Haipai masters. Through his relentless pursuit of knowledge and hands-on experience, he assimilates the core principles of Haipai painting. By integrating these elements into his creative process, he has successfully cultivated a distinctive artistic style that honors the past while embracing new possibilities.
Preserving and Promoting Haipai Painting and Calligraphy
Haipai painting and calligraphy are known for their openness and innovative approach. Mr. PENG believes that the vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai has played a key role in shaping the unique identity of Haipai art, enabling it to thrive through the blending of Chinese and Western influences and the interplay between traditional and contemporary elements.
As a dedicated leaner, inheritor, and practitioner of Haipai painting and calligraphy, Mr. PENG remains committed to advancing the artistic tradition while engaging in aesthetic education. As Professor Zan WANG, former Vice Dean and Chair of the Academic Committee at the China Academy of Art, once remarked, 'Mr. Lizhou PENG has devoted himself to painting and calligraphy as his lifelong pursuit. His works featuring profound cultural refinement and a distinctive artistic style are a testament to the image of a talented young artist with vision and dedication.'
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