On September 12th, the Fine Arts Department of our school officially launched its new Artist Series Lectures, with the first session featuring British artist Merryn Tresidder delivering a special lecture.

Born on the rural peninsula of Cornwall, UK, Tresidder graduated with honors from the Integrated Media Fine Arts program at the University of Westminster in London, UK, and later pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Canada. His works are mostly presented in the form of abstract diptychs and polyptychs. Drawing on topographic concepts from the languages of ethnic minorities and Indigenous peoples, he has constructed a decolonized visual vocabulary system for painting. Tresidder has also dabbled in installation art, printmaking, film, and curatorial work, yet his artistic practice has always centered on "language" and "pigment." He is committed to exploring how colors are interpreted in regional contexts, examining ways to achieve decentralization and de-Anglicization through color systems, and endowing pigments with new contextual meanings.

During the lecture, Tresidder deeply shared his personal creative journey in art and systematically elaborated on his creative practice centered on Celtic cultural imagery. Through his in-depth discussion on the integrated expression of text and color, he brought thought-provoking reflections and inspiration to the students present. Furthermore, he provided a detailed introduction to the structure and application process of international artist residency programs, offering students clear pathways and valuable opportunities to broaden their global artistic horizons and engage in cross-cultural practices.

Relying on its existing elective courses, AP (Advanced Placement) preparatory courses, and AP curriculum system, the Fine Arts Department of our school continuously promotes teaching innovation and resource integration, and constantly expands inquiry-based teaching models. The department actively introduces high-quality external art education resources and builds a new ecosystem for art education featuring collaboration between on-campus and off-campus resources.

For students aspiring to apply for overseas undergraduate programs in art and fine arts, such lectures are not only a source of academic inspiration but also an accumulation of preparation for their applications. Art learning helps shape a unique applicant profile, allowing students to move beyond being mere "grade machines" and develop distinctive memorable traits among their peers. With the combined label of "academics + art," they can highlight their individuality and irreplaceability. Meanwhile, artistic practice enriches the dimensions of extracurricular activities. A long-term commitment to art learning demonstrates dedication and perseverance, while participation in art projects further showcases leadership and social responsibility. These experiences often serve as touching material in application essays, enabling applicants to demonstrate empathy and innovative thinking when narrating their challenges, insights, and growth.

More importantly, artistic literacy is highly aligned with the concept of "holistic education" advocated by universities. The aesthetic ability, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking fostered by art are precisely the core criteria for universities to select "well-rounded talents." Furthermore, achievements in the field of art can also prove students' top-tier capabilities in the non-academic dimension. Similar to awards in academic competitions, these achievements serve as strong evidence that students can "set goals, overcome difficulties, and achieve excellence" – a quality that is precisely the key for universities to judge students' future potential.

In the future, the Fine Arts Department will continue to build a high-end art lecture platform, gathering outstanding artists and scholars at home and abroad to share cutting-edge creative concepts and practical experience. Through this series of initiatives, the school will not only provide more professional, diverse, and forward-looking learning resources for art-loving students but also empower their artistic growth and overseas study applications, helping them achieve continuous breakthroughs and innovations on their future artistic journey.