Yuanxiaocen Art Park in Kunming
Yuanxiaocen Art Park昆明袁晓岑艺术园 is a scenic art park located in Xishan District (西山区), Kunming, Yunnan Province. The park is known for its large color-block landscaping and is home to sculptures created by Yuan Xiaocen (袁晓岑), an esteemed sculptor and the honorary president of the Yunnan Painting Academy (云南画院). The park is open year-round, with visiting hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30-12:00 and 13:30-17:00.
Overview of Yuanxiaocen Art Park
Yuanxiaocen Art Park is designed with a simple yet vibrant landscaping layout, featuring large color blocks that create a modern and clean atmosphere. The park offers a stunning view of Xishan (西山) in the distance and is surrounded by flowing water at the rear. Upon entering the park through the East Gate, visitors are greeted by a massive sculpture titled “Dongxiang Shenjun” (东骧神骏), a group of galloping horses that embody power, vitality, and freedom. These horses, crafted with incredible detail, seem full of life and spirit, free from the confinement of captivity.
As visitors move deeper into the park, they will find the East Garden, a tranquil area surrounded by trees. The garden features a series of elegant architectural elements, including three circular gates, a Qingfeng Mingyue Pavilion (清风明月亭), and a peacock sculpture symbolizing “Everlasting Auspiciousness” (吉祥永驻). The park’s peaceful and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the artistic sculptures and natural beauty.
Address
Yuanxiaocen Art Park
Location: No. 26, Hongta West Road (红塔西路), Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan Province
Opening Hours: Year-round, Tuesday to Sunday: 09:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00
About Yuan Xiaocen (袁晓岑)
Yuan Xiaocen (袁晓岑) is a renowned sculptor and an influential figure in the art community. He has made significant contributions to the development of Chinese sculpture, particularly in Yunnan Province. He studied at Yunnan University (云南大学) from 1938, focusing on Chinese painting, sculpture, and literature. Over the years, he held various important positions in the artistic field, such as the Deputy Director of the Creative Research Department at the Yunnan Federation of Literary and Art Circles (云南省文联) and the Chairman of the Yunnan Branch of the China Artists Association (中国美术家协会云南分会).
In 1959, Yuan became the Director of the Art Department at the Yunnan Arts College (云南艺术学院) and later returned as its Vice-President in 1978. Today, he serves as the Honorary President of the Yunnan Painting Academy.
Yuan Xiaocen’s works have been featured in national and international exhibitions, and his sculptures are collected by major art institutions, such as the National Art Museum of China (中国美术馆). Some of his well-known sculptures include “Mother and Daughter Learning Culture” and “Ban Na Forest and Springs” (版纳林泉), both of which have been displayed in national exhibitions. His sculptures, such as “Jinsha Water” (金沙水暖), have been included in large-scale exhibitions celebrating the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Communist Party of China.
Sculptural Works and Achievements
Yuan Xiaocen is most famous for his sculptures, many of which have been showcased in important exhibitions both in China and abroad. His works reflect a deep understanding of Chinese history, culture, and natural beauty.
Famous Sculptures:
- “Mother and Daughter Learning Culture”: A sculpture that was selected for the 2nd National Art Exhibition and Socialist Countries Sculpture Art Exhibition.
- “Ban Na Forest and Springs”: Featured in the 6th National Art Exhibition.
- “Jinsha Water”: A sculpture that was included in the Military and Party Exhibitions, later cast into a four-meter-high bronze statue and erected at the First Bend of the Yangtze River.
International Recognition:
- “Forest Peacock”: A flower-and-bird painting and sculpture piece that was showcased at the Modern World Art Exhibition, and is now housed in the Fukuoka Art Museum (福冈美术馆) in Japan.
Yuan Xiaocen has also published numerous collections of his works, including:
- “Yuan Xiaocen’s Art Collection”
- “Selected Sculptures of Yuan Xiaocen”
- “Modern Chinese Flower and Bird Painter Yuan Xiaocen’s Works Exhibition” (Japanese Edition)
- “Selected Works of Yuan Xiaocen’s Chinese Painting and Sculpture”
- “Contemporary Chinese Painting and Sculpture Collections”
His son, Yuan Xikun (袁熙坤), born in Kunming in 1944, is also a renowned artist and sculptor, holding prestigious positions such as the Director of the Beijing Jintai Art Museum and a Vice-President of the China Collectors Association.
Yuanxiaocen Art Park is not just a space for viewing art; it’s a place to experience the connection between sculpture, nature, and culture. With its captivating sculptures and serene environment, the park is a must-visit destination for art lovers and tourists in Kunming. The legacy of Yuan Xiaocen (袁晓岑), both through his works and his contributions to the art world, continues to be felt in the park and beyond, making it an important cultural landmark in Kunming.
