In an exciting fusion of sports and the arts, the 2024 World Snooker Championship, held from 20 April to 6 May, not only celebrated the game's finest players but also helped to spotlight the creativity of young artists in Sheffield. The event, the pinnacle of the 2023-24 snooker season, inspired an innovative community engagement initiative led by the Sheffield Young Artists group to create and showcase portraits of renowned snooker figures.
Among the participants were three talented students from the Star Mandarin School, operated by the Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield. Students Sophie, Yi Ling, and Ziqi, not only embraced the challenge but also earned merits for their outstanding contributions. Their artworks were displayed prominently at a special exhibition held at the Central United Reform Church in Sheffield from 24 April to 27 April.
The exhibition, which drew attention from across the city, including from the Lord Mayor of Sheffield who attended the event, became a focal point for community pride and was notably covered by BBC Sport. Among the highlights was an interview with the BBC with our student, Sophie, whose portrait of Ding Jun Hui, a celebrated Chinese snooker player and a long-time Sheffield resident, was particularly impactful. Ding, known for his contributions to the popularity of snooker in China and his own academy in Sheffield, expressed a heartfelt desire to win the World Championship in his adopted home city.
This project highlighted the deep connections between the cultural heritage of the participants and the broader Sheffield community. By featuring Ding Jun Hui, a figure synonymous with the international spread of snooker and cultural exchange, Sophie's work underscores the Confucius Institute's mission to foster understanding and appreciation across cultures.
We sat down with Sophie for a short interview to talk about her experience with the exhibition and the snooker portraits initiative.
1. While you were creating the portraits, did you find out more about the player, and what were your inspirations for capturing the characters?
When I was drawing Ding Jun Hui, I did some research on his background and discovered his inspiring story which motivated me to do further research. When drawing John Parrott I learned more about snooker and how he was a very impressive player, especially how well he has done in many previous championships.
2. How did it feel to be chosen for the exhibition and to know your work is being appreciated by the public?
I was a little anxious at first, as I had not participated in such a grand event before. But despite the nervousness, I was also quite glad that my hard work would be appreciated. All the other artists I met were all incredibly talented and I'm greatly encouraged to continue to improve my art.
3. How do you think this exhibition benefits Sheffield’s culture and community?
I think it is really important to promote young artists and admire their talent, and I believe it brings the community together a lot more when it comes to events like this, so overall, the exhibition was really beneficial.
4. What’s it like taking Chinese Painting classes at the Confucius Institute? Did it help you with your entries?
The Chinese traditional painting lessons that I'm taking hadn’t started by the time I drew both portraits as I started them quite early. Although, I can add that after a few lessons I gained much better insights into painting and I have been a lot more willing to pick up a brush, which I think is always a good thing because I'm venturing out of my comfort zone.
As these young artists continue to develop their talents, the support and recognition they have received promise to influence further achievements. The Star Mandarin School remains committed to fostering not only academic excellence but also creative and cultural expression in the years to come.
Thank you for reading!
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