Saint Peter’s University became a vibrant hub of international artistic and academic exchange on November 1, hosting the 10th Phenomenology of Life and Art academic forum and the 2024 Art and Life International Art Exhibition. This inspiring event brought together renowned artists, scholars and cultural leaders from across the globe to explore the profound connections between life and art. Jointly organized by Saint Peter’s Department of Arts and the Institute for a Community with Shared Future of the Communication University of China, and primarily sponsored by the American Art Exchange Alliance, the gathering celebrated the transformative power of art to transcend borders, foster understanding and build a shared future.
The “Phenomenology of Life and Art” academic forum explores the relationship between life and art from philosophical and aesthetic perspectives. The forum holds significant academic influence in the international art community and has been previously held in countries such as China, France, Thailand and the United States, with each one attracting renowned artists. This year’s event featured artists from the United States, China, Russia and other countries.
Hubert Benitez, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University, gave a welcome speech at the opening of the event and remarked, “Although we come from different cultures and countries, art can transcend these boundaries and foster mutual understanding.” Dr. Benitez also toured the “Life and Art” International Art Exhibition and was very impressed by the talent displayed at the exhibit.
Notable guests at the event included Mei Jin, Ph.D., deputy dean of the Institute of a Community with a Shared Future of the Communication University of China; Lingling Huang, dean of the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts – Shenzhen Branch; Mingjun Peng, renowned artcurator; and Weizhu Zhang, principal of the Yancheng New Hope School, a branch of the China New Hope Education Group. Representatives from Saint Peter’s University included WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., interim vice president of academic affairs; Jeffrey Dueck, Ph.D., acting dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Jon Boshart, Ph.D., professor of the Department of Arts; Bea Mady, professor of the Department Arts; Trish Gianakis, assistant professor of the Department of Arts; and Frank Gympaya, adjunct faculty of the Department of Arts.
Dr. Jin, Dr. Dueck, Huang and Peng each gave their remarks at the forum, emphasizing the importance and benefit of academic and cultural exchange, and the collective desire to build a shared future.
On behalf of the participating artists, renowned painter Ziyu Liu, Ph.D., gifted his oil painting titled “Snowy Forest” to Saint Peter’s. This work, completed in 2021 in Russia, depicts a forest covered in snow, showcasing the tranquility and beauty of nature. Dr. Liu is a member of the Russian Artists’ Association and has held numerous solo exhibitions in China, Russia and other locations. His works, which blend Eastern and Western painting styles, have garnered significant attention in the international art community.
As a highlight of the event, several artists joint created a water color painting. This joint painting, along with 10 other artworks from the Exhibit was acquired by The American Art Exchange Alliance and gifted to Saint Peter’s University as its permanent collection. These artworks will be on display in the O’Toole Library later this academic year.
The event was also attended by Karim Shamsi-Basha, a food and culture columnist with NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. Shamsi-Basha had the opportunity to speak with President Benitez, which resulted in an article, titled “Saint Peter’s new prez fulfills dreams to help young people find their way,” that was subsequently published on Mosaic.NJ.com.