Noted Chinese artist's first solo U.S. exhibit at MSU

Contact: Margaret Kovar

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Beginning Monday [Nov. 14], Chinese artist Jiatian Li visits Mississippi State to exhibit his work and give painting demonstrations as part of the International Education Week observance.

The university showing is the artist's first solo exhibition in the U.S.

Sponsored by the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, College of Architecture, Art and Design and art department, the exhibit, "The Paintings of Jiatian Li," will be displayed in the Welcome Center/Cullis Wade Depot Gallery. Free and open to all, the gallery is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

A public painting demonstration and reception will take place Thursday [Nov. 17] in the depot gallery. At 1:30 p.m., the artist will demonstrate his creative process, which engages on paper both traditional and modern styles of Chinese brush painting. The reception gets under way at 3 p.m.

Known throughout his populous homeland, Li has had his works featured in national publications such as Art Magazine, Art Observation and China Daily. The author of "Portraits of the Ethnic Minorities in China," he has been recognized with numerous awards.

Li also is a lecturer in the School of Art and Communication at Beijing Technology and Business University.

Veteran MSU art professor Brent Funderburk said members of campus and area communities are being invited to all of the week's activities.

"These events offer a major opportunity to our students and communities to see a culture-changing vanguard and a young master of the Chinese art legacy," Funderburk said.

For more about the Jiatian Li events, telephone Funderburk at 662-325-2144 or 325-2970.