Interpretation and Construction: François Jullien’s Views of Chinese Art

Abstract François Jullien advocates revealing the unique value of ancient Chinese thought based on intelligibility (intelligibilité) between Chinese and Western cultures. First, by exploring ancient Chinese poetry, literati painting, and calligraphy, he views the “blandness” of traditional Chinese art as a virtue, being both an aesthetic criterion and sage wisdom. Second, he highlights the effect of manifesting shi (propensity) through forms and unifying shi with the spirit in Chinese literature and art, where shi is presented through the tension between empty and full and infinite expressiveness can be achieved through limited forms in artworks. Finally, he affirms the dialectical relationship between presence and absence in Chinese art, which can effectively enhance artistic expression. Despite some misinterpretations, Jullien presents his creative ideas from the perspective of the “other,” or the outside (dehors). He observes Chinese artistic thought from a Western perspective, paying particular attention to the consciousness of life, and attempting to incorporate Chinese artistic ideas into a metaphysical system. These efforts are highly inspiring to Chinese scholars.