On September 5, a farewell ceremony for Christian artist and poet Daozi, who died of leukemia at 69, was held at the Changping Funeral Home in Beijing.
Daozi was diagnosed with leukemia in early June and received treatment in Beijing. On August 27, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his admission to the ICU. The next day, on August 28, Christians issued an urgent appeal for blood donations on his behalf. He passed away on the morning of September 1.
Born in Qingdao in 1956, Daozi (given name: Wang Min) was also a contemporary art critic, painter, poet, artist, and professor at the Academy of Arts & Design at Tsinghua University. His poetry and art theory exerted influence in China and abroad, earning him international poetry awards. Since 2000, he has pioneered what he calls "Saintism Ink-Wash Painting," blending his Christian faith with traditional Chinese ink painting to produce significant works.
Friends, family, and admirers gathered in the funeral home to commemorate Daozi. During the ceremony, the melody of "Ave Maria," composed by German composer Johann Bach and French composer Charles Gounod, filled the air. Daozi's relatives, students, colleagues, and fellow believers observed a collective moment of silence in his honor.
Daozi's daughter, Ms. Wang, reflected on her father's life, saying, "My father's life was one of legend and romance, as well as a life dedicated to spreading love and hope." She noted that he had mentored countless students and formed connections with many distinguished and talented individuals. "My father was humble and introspective, never wanting to trouble others. He wrote countless words in his lifetime, yet his final written words were, 'I've been seriously ill recently, and I'm sorry for disturbing you.'"
She added, "During my father's illness and passing, we were deeply grateful for the care, help, and support from so many, especially the selfless blood donors."
Following her remarks, Daozi's family recited his representative poem, "Song of Consolation" (安慰之歌), written in 2000, to comfort those in attendance.
At the conclusion of the poem, all attendees bowed to Daozi's body in respect. Once again, accompanied by the melody of Ave Maria, they paid their final respects by viewing his remains and offering flowers as a gesture of reverence.
In 2015, Daozi's work "God and Gold" received the 20th Misereor Foundation for Social Development. It was printed and crafted into over 3,000 large-scale banners, which were hung in the altars of more than 3,000 churches across German-speaking countries and Europe during the Pentecost Lent period for praying and meditation.
Daozi's work, "The Sorrowful Christ," has been collected by numerous Catholic and Protestant churches and Christian organizations. A colleague who accompanied Daozi on visits to various churches remarked, "Teacher Daozi's 'The Sorrowful Christ' is truly a phenomenal work and event that connects many things."
A church that owns Daozi's paintings shared, "'The Sorrowful Christ' has been a constant companion to us. This painting has traveled through several places—initially at our gathering spot, later moved due to circumstances, and then entrusted to a sister's home. Upon hearing the news of Teacher Daozi's passing, she sent a video of the painting being blown down by the wind recently, which carries profound significance. Teacher Daozi was like a grain of wheat, continuing to exert his influence through his creations and life."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited by Karen Luo and translated by Antonio Xu
