In a world buzzing with digital trends and AI-generated art, 27-year-old Liu Wanming is carving his own path by diving deep into China's rich artistic legacy. 🎨 While studying at Beijing’s prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts, Liu became known as the art world’s 'time traveler'—a Gen-Z creator who’d rather debate Song Dynasty landscape techniques than experiment with NFTs.
'While classmates were mimicking Warhol, I was geeking out over ink-wash masters like Bada Shanren,' Liu shared with NewspaperAmigo. His dorm walls? Covered in hand-copied Tang Dynasty poetry scrolls. His Instagram? A mix of #StudyWithMe reels showing his meticulous brushwork and clapbacks to critics who called his style 'outdated.'
This modern-day traditionalist isn’t just preserving history—he’s making it relevant. Last month, his Mountains in Mist series went viral on Douyin (China’s TikTok), racking up 2 million views from teens obsessed with '安静 vibes' (chill aesthetics). 'It’s like lo-fi hip hop for your eyes,' commented one fan.
Cultural experts say Liu’s rise mirrors a global youth trend: 68% of millennials in a recent UNESCO survey expressed interest in learning traditional crafts. From Kyoto’s kimono influencers to Mexico City’s neon folk artists, young creators are remixing heritage with edge.
Next up? Liu’s planning a 'Guochao meets streetwear' collab—think hoodies featuring QR codes that unlock augmented reality landscapes. 'The past isn’t a museum exhibit,' he says. 'It’s fuel for tomorrow’s masterpieces.' ✨
