Speaker: He Beili, Associate Professor at the School of Experimental Art and Science & Technology in Art, Central Academy of Fine Arts

On April 2, 2025, Professor He Beili delivered a thought-provoking lecture at the School of Fine Arts, Nanjing Normal University, addressing the increasingly relevant topic of “interdisciplinarity” in both academia and the art world.

Drawing from her unique background in anthropology, Professor He shared personal experiences that highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in artistic creation. Rather than following a traditional fine arts training path, her academic journey began in the humanities, including Chinese language and literature and management studies. This diverse foundation gave her a distinctive perspective when she later transitioned into the field of art, especially in the context of interdisciplinary teaching and practice. 

Professor He emphasized that interdisciplinarity is not merely the juxtaposition of knowledge from different domains—it is a process of finding connections and interactions between different ways of thinking. Within art schools, this often manifests in the application of methodologies from other disciplines to art interpretation or in the incorporation of fieldwork, interviews, and oral histories into the creative process. Such practices not only enrich artistic expression but also strengthen the connection between art and real-world social issues, embodying a sense of social responsibility within the arts. She underscored the importance of her anthropological training in shaping both her teaching and creative work. At the Central Academy of Fine Arts, her courses range from “object-based creation” to “field research and oral history,” which not only influence students’ artistic development but also foster their understanding and application of interdisciplinary thinking. In her analysis of the term “interdisciplinarity,” Professor He noted that while contemporary education systems often emphasize strict disciplinary boundaries, interdisciplinary thinking has the power to break down these barriers and inspire new forms of knowledge integration and creative practice. In her view, it opens up greater possibilities—and challenges—for both artistic creation and academic research.

Her lecture offered valuable insights for scholars and students alike, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in contemporary education and artistic practice. Professor He’s reflections serve as a timely reminder of the transformative potential of interdisciplinary learning, particularly in an increasingly globalized and diverse world.

As the lecture drew to a close, the atmosphere in the room became increasingly lively. Many attendees raised their hands to ask questions, sparking a dynamic and engaging discussion. Faculty members from the School of Fine Arts, including Professors Li Xiao and Xue Mo, along with Meng Yao, Editor-in-Chief of Art Monthly magazine, actively participated and shared insightful perspectives, further enriching the conversation.