Ancient Artistry

Published: Sunday, November 05, 2000

An opening reception for the exhibit "Folk Artistry of Wang Di" will be offered from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Hall of Nations at Texas Tech's International Cultural Center, 601 Indiana Ave.

The exhibit then will move Tuesday to the International Cultural Center's library, where it will remain on display through Nov. 15.

There is no admission charge.

Heroes, heroines, courtesans, religious figures, mythological figures and scenes from the imperial court, as well as everyday life in China, are themes expressed in Wang Di's exquisite figurines.


A-J Photo/Joe Don Buckner

Sculpted from flour and averaging five inches in height, Wang Di's creations are rich in color, exquisitely detailed and convey the loves, strengths and passions of characters through facial expressions and body language.

Wang Di, a citizen of the People's Republic of China, is recognized internationally as one of her country's premiere folk artists.

She has been honored with exhibits in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Singapore and the United States.


A-J Photo/Joe Don Buckner

In 1996, the United Nations awarded her the title Master of Industrial Folk Art in recognition of her artistry and contributions in preserving an ancient folk art form.

Wang Di has worked in this medium for about 10 years. Her techniques are unique. Basic colors, such as skin tone or fabric colors, are created by mixing various colors of powdered flower petals, and each piece is built up with layer upon layer of different colored flour.

Surface color details, such as patterns in fabric or the decoration in fans, are painted by hand. Each work is engineered to meet strength requirements.