2008 China’s cultural figures

Every one is destined to confront kinds of adversity and bitterness which forge the brawniness and bravery in return. The undertaking of disabled persons demands selfless donors, and I hope to be one of them.

Wang Meng

Wang Meng

Bustling with writing books, giving lectures and taking part in kinds of cultural activities, Wang Meng was busier than ever before, though he retired from various posts in 2008. It’s hardly seen an old man at over the age of 70 can bear so much burden of work. What deserves the most respect was that, as in the past, Wang kept his eyes on current social situation. During the aftermath of Wenchuan earthquake and Beijing Olympic Games, Wang publicized wise and encouraging essays at the “People’s Daily”, the overseas edition of the “People’s Daily”, “Wenwei Post” and some other online media.

What he said

The year of 2008 is indelible because it was full of dramatic challenges, achievements and furors. I was honored about all achievements and worried about all troubles at the same time. In general, I felt satisfied, lucky and encouraged about the year.

This year (2008), I publicized three thick books (including an autobiography, a commentary book about “Dream of the Red Chamber” and a review of Lao-Tzu’s works), three thin pamphlet and two love novels. Besides, I gave more than 20 lectures and paid a visit to Germany in addition to 3 cultural exchanges between mainland China and Taiwan.

Being asked if I was worried about my growing age and waning memory, I replied that as a 74-years-old man, I can hardly deny. Perhaps next year, the intellect would enter a decline. If I would be in good situation next year, the decline would come the year after next year. Ahead of the closing of “next year”, I would like to celebrate for the New Year.

Profile:

Wang Meng, born in 1934, wrote abundant works including novels, essays and poems and worked as former editor-in-chief of “People’s Literature”, former vice-executive-chairman of Chinese Writers’ Association, former minister of Culture, former member of the standing committee of the 8th CPPCC and former vice-chairman of CWA.

With some translated in many foreign languages, Wang’s works reflect the rough road Chinese people have marched along. In virtue of continuous innovation in literature, Wang has become one of the most productive and vigorous cotemporary writers.

Feng Jicai

Feng Jicai

In October 2008, Feng Jicai was appointed counselor of the Counselors' Office of the State Council for a period of five years, reflecting public opinions and submitting proposals to the administration in personal identity.

Currently, Feng is dedicated to preserving cultural relics and folk cultural heritage, editing “Symbols of China,” a series of cultural books he compiled as editor-in-chief, which made their debut at the 15th Beijing International Book Fair. He has made a huge contribution to the salvation and protection of intangible cultural heritage in China, and has awakened the awareness of the value of folk culture in the general public.

What he said

The honor of 2008 Cultural Figure flattered me. There are numerous outstanding persons who make great efforts to protect our cultural heritage which is in danger of dying out, but they are seldom known and helped by others. In fact, these obscure people are the real “somebody”. I should stick to my beliefs and what I am passionate with, as what they do, away from the spotlight to keep my mind and feet in fields which are my workplace.

This year (2008), I was appointed counselor of the Counselors' Office of the State Council, which meant I can “express” public opinions and give advice about state affairs with personally. I will cherish this right.

Here I repeat what I have said before, “don’t pay attention to me but what I do”.

Profile:

Feng Jicai, born in Tianjin in 1942, is a famous Chinese contemporary writer and painter, whose hometown is Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. During the Cultural Revolution, he served as a worker, salesman and teacher. As a representative writer of “Hurts Generation”, Feng assumes the vice-chairman of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, president of China Novel Study Society and chairman of China Society for Folk Artists.

Feng has published a variety of work and some of them have won national literature awards, such as “Carved Pipe”, “The Tall Woman and Her Short Husband” and “Three-Inch Golden Lotus”. Filmed from Feng’s “Red Firecracker, Green Firecracker”, the cognominal movie won awards of Hawaii Movies Festival and Spanish Movies Festival. This book has been translated in more than ten foreign languages with 40 versions published abroad.