Yan Zhen facts for kids
Yan Zhen (born in 1930) is a famous Chinese artist. He is a talented poet, painter, and calligrapher. Yan Zhen is most well-known in China for his amazing writing. He has created more than 30 books. These books include poetry, stories, and other types of writing.
Yan Zhen worked as an editor for several important journals. He was also a council member of the China Writers Association. This is a big group for writers in China. Today, Yan Zhen lives and works in Beijing, the capital city of China.
Yan Zhen's Early Life and Career
Yan Zhen was born in 1930 in a place called Laiyang. This area is in Shandong Province, China. He grew up in a small village with his family. His father was a teacher at a primary school. When Yan Zhen was just thirteen years old, he left home. He joined groups that were fighting against the Japanese occupation of China.
During a time known as the Cultural Revolution (from 1966 to 1976), Yan Zhen faced difficulties. He and his wife were sent to live in different parts of the countryside. Later, in 1985, Yan Zhen was part of the first group of Chinese writers to travel abroad. He visited many cities in America.
Yan Zhen's Writing Journey
Yan Zhen published his first book of poetry when he was 24. Early in his career, he was seen as one of the "Great Young Poets." People said he was very good at capturing the spirit of his time. He was called "one of the most promising poets" when the People's Republic of China was new. By 1963-1964, he was one of the most successful young poets in the country.
Some of his well-known books include:
- Girl Beside the Huai River (published in 1955)
- Jiangnan Song
- Guqin Spring
- Peony Courtyard (a collection of essays)
- Barren Tracks (a novel)
- Rose of the Southern Country (a novella, which is a short novel)
Yan Zhen's Art: Painting
Besides writing, Yan Zhen is also a skilled painter. He creates art using both watercolor and oil paints.
His paintings have been shown in art exhibits both in China and in other countries. One of his artworks was shown at the National Art Museum of China. In 2007, his watercolor painting called Beginning to Snow at Lotus Pond was sold at an auction. This auction was held by Sotheby's in New York. He had his first art show in New York in 2008. It was at the Neuhoff Gallery in the Fuller Building.
