Li Chunlin
In the sweltering heat of July in Nanchang, the streets and alleys were nearly deserted, everyone seeking refuge in the cool comfort of air conditioning, either working or resting. Xie Chen's collection of essays, *Happy Times*, was about to be published in this very season of burning passion. On the eve of its publication, my old friend, the painter Peng Kaitian, conveyed Xie Chen's request: he said he was an avid reader of *Miniature Novel Selection*, a journal I used to edit, and asked me to write a preface for his collection. Xie Chen was Peng Kaitian's classmate and fellow painter; Kaitian was my colleague at the publishing house for many years, and I was the text editor; Kaitian was a painter and art editor, his reputation as a painter far exceeding his art editorship. I had no choice but to comply with my friend's request.
Xie Chen majored in fine arts in university and dedicated his life to art education. Yet, while reaping the rewards of his artistic achievements, he also achieved a remarkable harvest of essay writing after retirement. *Happy Times* is like a heavy, golden granary of autumn harvest, highly sought after. Xie Chen, who dedicated his life to art education, retired and moved to Shanghai with his son to enjoy his later years. He initially intended to settle down and pursue painting again, but the small apartment his son's family lived in for three generations lacked the space for art. Feeling lost, his creative desires remained undiminished, so he changed course and began writing.
Starting last July, Xie Chen began submitting essays, poems, and reviews to the China Prose Network, quickly gaining popularity and praise from readers. His work flourished, with frequent and excellent pieces appearing. In October 2016, his essay "A Travelogue of Suzhou," published on the China Prose Network, won the gold medal in the 2nd "Chinese Sentiment" National Poetry and Prose Competition. This June, his documentary essay "Cherishing the Happy Moments of the Present" won first prize in the 4th Sino-Foreign Poetry and Prose Invitational Competition organized by the China Prose Network and the Beijing Huaxia Boxue International Cultural Exchange Center.
"Happy Times" is a collection of Xie Chen's literary works from the past year, totaling 54 pieces, mainly essays, but also including poems and reviews, amounting to over 100,000 words. Only a small portion consists of previously accumulated manuscripts. The book is divided into five chapters: I. Thoughts, mainly current affairs commentary; II. Art, reading and appreciating works of poetry, calligraphy, and painting; III. Art Education, recording the experiences and achievements of art education reform; IV. Life, recording retirement life; V. Appreciation, a record of attending music events such as the Shanghai International Arts Festival.
After reading the entire book, one is overwhelmed by the author's tender recollections of his current life experiences, family, school, studio, classroom, art hall, friends, classmates, and artists; his quiet reflections on the value of life and social phenomena; especially his subtle concerns about cultural and artistic education; his calm composure; his solitary joy in beautiful scenery; his playing of the most beautiful melodies of life; and his enjoyment of the grand feast of world art... While appreciating the beauty, one feels transported to Suzhou in Jiangnan, amidst bustling crowds and the hustle and bustle of life. The sight of Taihu Lake, a pearl of tranquility, with its "mountains not high but elegant, waters not deep but vast," transports one to a cool, ethereal summer world where reality and illusion blend seamlessly. One can't help but sigh, for this world ripples with the "happy times" of life. It is the author's comprehensive tracing of life's journey, depicting a vibrant tapestry of the heart.
The text contains paintings, and the paintings are within the text; the reader walks within the painting, and the painting arises from the heart. This is the distinctive feature of Xie Chen's book, *Happy Times*, written by both a painter and a writer. As a painter, the author constantly references his profession, with colorful descriptions throughout, much of the book revolving around art. As a writer, these vibrant colors are not achieved through ink lines, but through vivid, authentic, concise, and simple language to create atmosphere.
The Lantern Festival night, a timeless tradition. Brothers and sisters, from all corners of the country, come to their parents' side, the whole family reunites, sitting around a table, the scene always depicting a sumptuous dinner. "An Unforgettable Lantern Festival Night" portrays this traditional Chinese festival's family dinner on the Lantern Festival. The author ingeniously adds a fresh perspective to this Lantern Festival dinner: "The unexpected Lantern Festival reunion brought everyone unexpected joy. Although taking turns hosting has become a family tradition, the way and content of the gathering have constantly evolved with the times. From a simple meal, it has transformed into a meal, discussions of family issues, variety shows, talent displays, and discussions of family traditions and etiquette… Four generations under one roof, joyful and harmonious, the lively and enthusiastic exchange and gathering enhanced family bonds, united hearts, and radiated boundless vitality, especially bringing much joy and comfort to my parents-in-law who are entering their eighties…" This sumptuous Lantern Festival dinner added several spiritual delicacies, further elevating its status and making it unforgettable.
"Cherishing the Happy Moments of the Present" is even more like a long scroll painting. In the prime of youth, classmates and friends reunite after sixty years of age. The author vividly portrays the atmosphere, details, emotions, and mood of this gathering. The campus lawn, the ancient camphor tree, memories and reflections, black hair and white hair, heartfelt conversations and toasts, embraces and tears, songs and sorrows, gratitude and calls… all combine to create a picture that blends history and reality across time. Rich and vibrant, it captivates the reader.
The book is filled with similar excellent works; within its simple writing style, there is the discovery of beauty, the expression of poetry, a harmonious blend of emotion and scenery, and a spirit that is invigorating—all well worth reading.
This serves as the preface.
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