On September 29, 2025, during the "Splendid Dreams" themed illustration exhibition jointly held by the Library and Zhejiang University Press, renowned artist Mr. Zhou Jiangang visited the campus and donated two signed copies of his exquisite art book "Splendid Dreams: Zhou Jiangang's Complete Illustrations of Dream of the Red Chamber" to the library.
The donation ceremony took place in the library. During his visit, Mr. Zhou not only brought his valuable signed works but also provided a detailed explanation of his creative process and artistic thoughts to the faculty and students. He shared how he drew inspiration from the late Ming scholars' desk objects and the ambiance of Suzhou gardens, using a unique brushwork that combines meticulous and freehand styles. Through the rhythm of calligraphy, he reimagined the characters and scenes of the Grand View Garden, achieving a modern transformation of classical literary imagery and traditional painting language.
The exhibited "Splendid Dreams" series is a monumental work created by Mr. Zhou over several years. The pieces blend the charm of the Song Dynasty with the elegance of the Ming Dynasty. Through his original "expressive summary modeling," Mr. Zhou successfully transforms the literary imagery of "Dream of the Red Chamber" into vibrant visual poetry, showcasing his profound traditional skills and distinctive personal style.
Library Director Mr. Chen Guogang expressed heartfelt gratitude for Mr. Zhou's generous donation and presented him with a donation certificate. The exhibition and related activities have not only enriched the library's collection but also provided a high-level artistic feast for the campus community, significantly enhancing the cultural and aesthetic education of the faculty and students.
Article: XIONG Weiwei
Editing in charge: YANG Linpei
Reviewer: CHEN Guogang