On the afternoon of March 25, Wang Lijun, a distinguished cartoonist, curator, and Secretary General of the Comics Art Committee of the China Artists Association, was invited to Beihang University to deliver a lecture titled “Exploring Chinese Picture Books.” The event was hosted by Song Zehui, Deputy Director of the Aesthetic Education Center at Beihang University.

Wang Lijun is also a graduate supervisor in the School of Animation and Digital Arts at Communication University of China, and a mentor at the Wang Lijun Studio within the Animation School of Beijing Film Academy. With deep expertise and extensive practical experience in the fields of cartooning and picture books, he brought a wealth of knowledge to the Beihang community.

During the lecture, Wang focused on two main themes: major picture book exhibitions in China and the creative process behind picture books. Through a vivid presentation featuring rare cover images, interior pages, and original illustrations, Wang introduced notable exhibitions such as "The Beautiful Life of Painting" and the Red-Themed Chinese Picture Book Exhibition. He highlighted the achievements of original Chinese picture books in drawing from traditional culture, telling contemporary Chinese stories, and promoting coresocial values.

Prior to the lecture, Song Zehui and Professor Ye Qiang from the School of New Media Art and Design engaged in a cordial conversation with Wang and presented him with a commemorative gift representative of Beihang.

The lecture was well-structured and richly illustrated with examples, offering an accessible yet insightful journey into the world of Chinese picture books. Through an in-depth look at both influential exhibitions and classic works, the audience gained a genuine appreciation for the creative vitality and artistic commitment of Chinese picture book creators. The event also broadened attendees' understanding of the diverse possibilities within the picture book format, sparking keen interest in visual narrative and integrated artistic creation.

The lecture was attended by more than 400 faculty members and students.

Since its inception in 2022, the Aesthetic Education Lecture Series at Beihang University has served as a key platform for strengthening aesthetic education and fostering an immersive cultural environment across the university. To date, it has hosted 49 high-quality lectures. Moving forward, it will continue to invite renowned scholars and artists to campus, aiming to create a distinctive brand for aesthetic education at Beihang and further enrich the university's cultural and artistic landscape.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun