Sweat and talent

At a glance

Huang Yongyu is hailed an art genius among the artists of his time. He spent his childhood in Fenghuang, a heavenly county with landscapes and folk culture that continues to inspire his artistic creations today.

At the age of 13, he left his hometown alone for Xiamen, Fujian province, to continue junior high school education. Unable to catch up with his classmates academically, he found the school library a retreat where he read extensively and nurtured his literary skills. He also taught himself the art of woodprints.

After a conflict with local children, he dropped out of school and embarked upon a vagabond life. He supported himself by doing odd jobs and selling portraits and prints.

He became a print teacher at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1953. He rose to stardom creating many acclaimed woodprints. His career however came to a halt during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). He survived those tumultuous times, and his talents in various art forms and literature were gradually recognized in the 1980s.

A work by Huang Yongyu. Photo provided to China Daily

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