Benoît Vermander, a well-known figure in China, wears many hats as a sinologist, painter, poet, and philosophy professor. More commonly recognized by his chosen Chinese name, “笨笃” (Bèn Dǔ), which translates to “clumsy but persistent and self-correcting,” Vermander’s name reflects both his French roots and his approach to life and scholarship.
In a recent interview with reporters from China News Service, Vermander discussed the essential role that sinologists play in connecting Eastern and Western civilizations. He highlighted the importance of laying the groundwork, acknowledging that the “clumsy” dedication often seen in cross-cultural exchanges is crucial for breaking down biases and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Since his initial trip to China in 1987, Vermander’s journey has been one of exploration, focusing on the interactions between Eastern and Western cultures. He expressed admiration for historical figures like Italian missionary Matteo Ricci and Ming dynasty scientist Xu Guangqi, whose encounters exemplified cultural exchange. Additionally, his decade-long fieldwork in Sichuan has allowed him to witness firsthand China’s extraordinary development and the deep impact of Chinese culture on his own life.
“My experiences in China have fundamentally shaped my artistic work,” Vermander said. “All of my artistic principles originate from my study of Chinese calligraphy and painting.” His passion for these art forms has fostered a more open and diverse cultural perspective, inspired by the intricate details of characters and brushwork.
In his artistic pursuits, Vermander strives to capture the essence of objects. Beyond just painting, he seeks to explore the connections between various things, believing that through art, we can perceive shapes and light while transcending the physical realm to connect with a larger world. “The more I learn about Cézanne, the more I appreciate Li Keran; likewise, understanding Huang Binhong enriches my view of Matisse. This deepening understanding of different artistic styles expands my appreciation of beauty and exemplifies the essence of cross-cultural learning,” he explained.
Using painting as a metaphor, he suggested that individual uniqueness encourages us to find common ground amidst our differences, ultimately driving us toward a greater universal understanding. “The more we learn about others, the better we know ourselves. By viewing life through ‘the other,’ we gain insight into our strengths and weaknesses, which fosters ongoing growth and improvement,” he emphasized, adding that recognizing the ‘other’ is fundamental to civilizational exchanges.
Amid recent global discussions about the clash and superiority of civilizations, Vermander noted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call for a global civilization initiative. This initiative encourages deeper engagement and understanding among cultures, underscoring the importance of respecting diverse civilizations. “Embracing that diversity is essential; a world without variety would be rather bleak,” he cautioned, emphasizing that acknowledging diversity does not equate to isolation. True diversity flourishes through mutual exchange and transformation.
As Xi Jinping has pointed out, nations are all on the same boat, sharing a collective fate. In the face of global challenges, Vermander argues that countries should transcend historical, cultural, and geographical divides. “Different approaches arise from the wisdom found in both the East and West. This wisdom serves as a reservoir of practical knowledge, enabling us to adapt and thrive amidst changing circumstances and crises,” he stated.
However, engaging with the perspective of ‘the other’ comes with its challenges. Misinterpretations and misunderstandings are commonplace. Vermander recognizes these misinterpretations as a natural consequence of cultural intersections, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging that every culture’s view of ‘the other’ will be partial and evolving. “We should avoid imposing pre-existing frameworks or slogans on others or ourselves,” he cautioned.
For Vermander, the perspective of ‘the other’ also highlights the societal role of sinologists. “Culture and society are complex, ongoing realities,” he explained. Sinologists offer a historical context that helps to reveal the multiple layers of Chinese civilization, thereby facilitating better dialogue between different wisdom traditions from the East and West.
As a poet, Vermander believes poetry serves as a powerful medium for awakening aesthetic appreciation and fostering dialogue. He particularly admires the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu, whose poem “Spring Rain on a Night” encapsulates the delicate yet profound connection between art and culture, subtly blossoming in ways that often go unnoticed.
