Dafen oil painting Village
Tian Kesheng: Master Artist and Educator from Dafen Village’s Artistic Heart
Born in 1940, Tian Kesheng embarked on his artistic journey by enrolling in the Fine Arts Department at the Beijing Art Academy in 1957. He graduated in 1965 from the prestigious first studio of the Oil Painting Department at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, under the mentorship of Wu Zuoren. Upon graduation, Tian was assigned to the Chinese Air Force as a military artist, where he quickly advanced to the rank of deputy regiment-level art creator. Throughout his military career, Tian was recognized for his significant contributions to art with three third-class merit awards, four commendations, and a special promotion award.
In 1985, Tian transitioned to academia, taking up a teaching position at Shenzhen University. The following year, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Shenzhen Art Institute and subsequently joined it. In 1987, Tian was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Shenzhen Artists Association, a position he held until 2000. His initiative in 1995 led to the founding of the Shenzhen Oil Painting Society.
Tian Kesheng is now a nationally recognized first-class artist, a member of the Chinese Artists Association, President of the Shenzhen Oil Painting Society, and an advisor to the Shenzhen Artists Association. His career, marked by both artistic and educational achievements, has had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Shenzhen.
