Niu Tao, a teacher from the Open University of China (OUC), won the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning's “Capital City Outstanding Public Art Award” for his mural Jin Tai at Sunset, which is featured in the Jintailu Station of Metro Line 6.With the rapid development of Beijing’s rail transit system, the metro is playing an increasingly important role in the public’s life, as well as becoming a major way of showcasing the spirit, culture, and attitude of the city. In order to promote greater cultural development and prosperity, enhance the cultural taste of the capital city, improve the well-being of the citizens, and further advance the planning and construction of public arts projects for Beijing’s metro, experts were organized for a one-year appraisal of metro art works, such as sculptures, murals, environmental designs, landscaping, architecture, and planning, by the Beijing City Construction Sculpture Administration Office and in conjunction with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning and the Beijing Rail Transit Construction Management Company. Fourteen works have been selected from the 60 or so designs submitted by the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, China Mural Association, and others, including the mural Jin Tai at Sunset by Niu Tao from the Teaching and Research Division of Art Education of the OUC School of Education.
December 28, 2012 marked the official opening of Beijing Metro Line 6, and gave the public its first glimpse of Jin Tai at Sunset in Jintailu Station, instantly becoming a landmark in Beijing’s rail transit system and the capital’s cultural landscape.
Jin Tai at Sunset is based on one of the “Eight Great Sights of Yanjing”, depicting the beauty of Jin Tai in the glow of the setting sun. By neatly sidestepping the absence of specific image data, a traditional horizontal line composition is used in the picture, giving an exclusive perspective which beautifully describes the verdant and strong old trees, the high and solid city walls, the resplendent and magnificent buildings, the rolling Western Hills, and the gorgeous sunset radiating the glow of the setting sun. At the same time, the bold technique of glass engraving with back lighting was applied in place of the craft of traditional mural material. It is stronger and easier to clean up, with a striking modern character, which is key to effectively achieving the desired effect. The mural has enjoyed immense praise from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning, Beijing Rail Transit Construction Management Company, and experts from all walks of life. In June 2013, it received the "Capital City Outstanding Public Art Award" from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning.
The Blueprint
Live Effect
Mr. Hou Yimin, President of the China Mural Association, an Executive Member of China Artists Association, and a National Expert with Outstanding Contributions, Giving Guidance at the Scene in Person
Niu Tao Having A Photo Taken Before the Mural at Chaoyangmen Station with Zhou Lingzhao and Chen Ruoju (Niu Tao Served as Assistant of the Mural)
By OUC School of Education