Pierre Ryckmans, a multifaceted individual with a rich and diverse background, was born on September 28, 1935, in Uccle, an upper-middle-class district of Brussels, Belgium. As the son of a prominent publisher, he was deeply rooted in the publishing industry from a young age. Additionally, he was the grandson of Alfonse Ryckmans, an Antwerp alderman and vice president of the Senate, which provided him with a strong foundation in politics and governance.
Ryckmans' educational journey commenced at the Servites de Marie primary school, where he received a foundation in faith under the watchful eye of his instructor, the esteemed abbé Voussure, whose guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Ryckmans' unwavering Christian conviction.
Ryckmans' academic pursuits commenced in 1953 when he enrolled in the Université catholique de Louvain, where he concurrently studied law and art history, gradually developing a profound fascination with the rich cultural heritage and linguistic complexities of China.
As fate would have it, a sudden and unexpected turn of events occurred in 1955, with the untimely demise of his father, prompting Ryckmans to join a delegation of young Belgians who were invited to spend a month in China, an experience that would have a profound impact on his life.
During this momentous trip, Ryckmans had the unique opportunity to engage in a conversation with Premier Zhou Enlai, an encounter that further solidified his admiration for the Maoist regime, leaving a lasting impression on his worldview and intellectual trajectory.
Ryckmans, after his initial sojourn, decided to revisit his home country of Belgium, where he devoted himself to the completion of his academic pursuits in the realm of art history, concurrently acquiring the intricate skills of calligraphy.
It was during the sweltering summer of 1958 that he embarked upon a most unconventional adventure, setting sail on a tuna fishing expedition in the picturesque coastal town of Étel, nestled within the picturesque region of French Brittany. This extraordinary experience would later serve as the inspiration for his book, "Prosper", which would not see the light of day for a staggering 45 years.
Ryckmans' academic journey commenced in 1959 when he was awarded a modest bursary from the government of Chiang Kai-shek, allowing him to enroll in the prestigious Fine Arts department of the National Taiwan University. Under the mentorship of the esteemed Pu Hsin-yu, a relative of the illustrious Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, Ryckmans delved into a comprehensive study of the arts during his time in Taiwan. In preparation for his future PhD dissertation, he devoted himself to meticulous research on the renowned Chinese painter Shitao, whose remarkable works were created during the Qing dynasty, a period marked by grandeur and cultural flourishing.
Ryckmans' multifaceted career as a writer, essayist, and literary critic was marked by a diverse range of topics, including the intricacies of Chinese politics and traditional culture, the art of calligraphy, and the literary traditions of France and England.
His prolific output also encompassed critiques of the commercialization of universities, a theme that likely resonated with many academics and intellectuals of his time.
In addition, Ryckmans wrote nautical fiction, a genre that suggests a fascination with the sea and its many mysteries.
One of the most notable aspects of Ryckmans' work, however, was his trilogy, comprising Les Habits neufs du président Mao, Ombres chinoises, and Images brisées, published between 1971 and 1976.
This trilogy was significant not only because it was a comprehensive critique of the Cultural Revolution in China, but also because it was one of the first intellectual critiques of the Cultural Revolution to be published in the West.
Furthermore, Ryckmans' trilogy was notable for its scathing critique of the idolizing of Mao in the West, a phenomenon that had gained widespread acceptance in the years following the Chinese leader's death.
Overall, Ryckmans' work as a writer, essayist, and literary critic was characterized by a keen intellect, a deep understanding of Chinese culture and politics, and a willingness to challenge prevailing wisdom and critique the status quo.
Ryckmans, a remarkable individual, resided in Australia from 1970, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life and career. During this period, he continued to hone his craft, pouring his heart and soul into his work, which would later be widely acclaimed for its profound insight and depth.
As the years went by, Ryckmans' reputation as a master wordsmith and intellectual grew, his work captivating audiences and critics alike with its nuance and sophistication. His writing, a testament to his boundless creativity and intellectual curiosity, touched upon a wide range of subjects, showcasing his remarkable versatility.
Tragically, Ryckmans' life was cut short on August 11, 2014, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be remembered as a testament to his brilliance and boundless talent. Despite his untimely passing, his impact on various fields and disciplines would continue to be felt, inspiring generations to come.
