The Versatile Master Artist

Back then, Monet and his peers were sidelined by the academic mainstream.

They couldn’t get opportunities to hold exhibitions or participate in elite social circles.

In a fit of frustration, they decided to go independent and organized the so-called "Salon des Refusés" along the Seine Riverfront.

Joining the Art Association doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t face suppression, but it’s definitely better than wandering alone outside.

The more prestigious artist associations even hold large art exhibitions for their members regularly.

Accordingly,

Art Associations around the world are not something you can just join at will.

In some places, only artists represented by large galleries can apply, some associations require recommendations from several senior members, and others have special committees to review qualification recommendations.

To be fair, the Dongxia Art Association implements a strict scoring system. They assign scores ranging from 1 to 6 for contributions like participation in national and regional exhibitions, and publishing papers in journals of different levels.

Accumulating 9 points allows one to join.

Many teachers from the Eight Major Art Institutes and full professors at museums fail to meet the membership threshold.

The Yangon Calligraphy and Painting Association is not as renowned as those in Dongxia, Britain, or Germany.

Considering Gu Weijing’s age of seventeen, it’s quite remarkable. It’s even beyond what the word "remarkable" can describe.

"It’s truly amazing."

Professor Watter looked at the name of the artist Gu Weijing on the document and expressed genuine admiration.

The artist association in his hometown Hamburg is also quite well-known and established, having left its mark in art history with numerous great artists emerging from it.

Of course, no matter how prestigious the Hamburg Art Association is, Professor Watter isn’t qualified to join.

"Given Gu Weijing’s prowess in using brushes, I’m not surprised he received recognition from the Yangon Calligraphy and Painting Association."

He spoke candidly.

"Gu Weijing’s entry into the Art Association wasn’t solely based on his brush skills."

The principal chuckled, "When you see the contents of the certification document at the back, don’t be too incredulous."

Watter saw the documents related to the major Great Golden Pagoda project at the beginning of the year.

He nodded in realization, "I see, this was indeed a great opportunity for recognition."

Watter had gone back to Europe for vacation at the beginning of the year, but he had heard about the significant local art event, the Great Golden Pagoda restoration project.

During those few days, the number of great artists in Yangon surpassed the total renowned painters who had visited here in the past century, with an unparalleled art historical status.

However, such matters were far from Professor Watter’s reach.

He only had a superficial understanding of traditional Eastern Art, so he didn’t pay much attention to it.

Unexpectedly,

Gu Weijing was able to seize this opportunity to broaden his horizons.

"It’s not just a matter of Gu Weijing getting a touch of gold; it’s like he’s bathed in a river of gold. I’m envious of this opportunity; look at the mural creator behind it."

The principal took a sip of the red tea on the table as a hint.

Professor Watter turned to the mural of "Buddha Worship and Protection Painting" at the back of the document and saw the creators’ names below—[Artists: Cao Xuan/Gu Weijing]

Oh my!

"Is this ’CAOXUAN’ the Cao Xuan I’m thinking of?" Professor Watter asked, dumbfounded.

No one in the art profession, no matter how unfamiliar with Eastern Art, would be unfamiliar with the name Cao Xuan.

His standing in the art world is akin to Hemingway’s in the field of literature.

"Who else could it be but that Cao Xuan?" The principal spread his hands.

He was too familiar with Professor Watter’s feelings at this moment.

This was a co-signed painting!

A freaking, freaking, freaking co-signed painting with Mr. Cao Xuan!!!

The principal was incredibly envious.

This is a mural fixed in place, so it can’t be taken away or sold.

But if it were a work on paper, it could easily fetch over a million dollars at an auction.

If it weren’t for the "Gu Weijing" that followed, which lowered the work’s prestige, it could sell for an outrageous amount.

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