Wear down for the Tao: Interpretation of the language of the paintings of Ba Da Shan Ren

Author: Cui Zimo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: "Ride the noble steed and gallop forward, let us lead the way." — Qu Yuan
1. Introduction
Three hundred years ago, the Eight Great Mountains relied on the true goodness of his nature to reveal the grandeur of nature and elucidate the essence of art. He was both traditional and modern, extremely ancient yet extremely new, reaching the peak of Chinese literati painting, a pioneer of pure art, and justly worthy of being the forerunner of modern Chinese painting. With his outstanding practical talent, he elevated the art of Chinese painting to an unprecedented height. The greatness of Chinese painting art can only be clearly understood when observed scientifically within the coordinates of the entire history of human art. It can be imagined what effect it would have if the works of the Eight Great Mountains were displayed in the Louvre, alongside the great sculptures of ancient Western art and the finest oil paintings of various periods. The absence of Eastern artworks in the Louvre cannot be called a regret for the world's audience. For those accustomed to gazing at and marveling at Western art, the visual shock and emotional stirring they experience when they pause and encounter Chinese painting, which represents the highest cultural refinement and artistic standards of the East, are undoubtedly indescribable. The Western understanding of Chinese painting still remains at the level of appreciating antique artifacts in a superficial way. As for grasping the deep wisdom, reflection, and inspiration within its cultural and artistic traditions, it is far from being fully achieved. This is a unique aesthetic space; recognizing it requires not just the eyes but also the observation of the heart. Behind the spiritual symbolism, artistic expressiveness, and formal abstraction, there is an extraordinary complete person. Getting closer to him means getting closer to the excellent culture of an outstanding nation; once you get closer to him, you will understand what life, art, nature, and the eternal pursuit of humanity truly are. You will realize what reality and ideal, society, the artist, and yourself are. Since the 20th century, especially after the 1950s, the Eight Great Mountains has gained widespread acclaim worldwide, and the "School of the Eight Great Mountains" has emerged. At the same time, he has provided us with the opportunity to reflect on the excellent cultural and artistic traditions of our nation. Westerners' understanding of Chinese painting is inevitably simplistic, thinking that the emotions conveyed by the Eight Great Mountains are about distorting tradition and creating their own language. And we ourselves may not be fully aware or conscious, nor do we fully recognize the reasons and significance of his innovation. Therefore, a comprehensive and thorough study and reflection on the art of the Eight Great Mountains is not only about establishing his position in the history of Chinese art and even world art but also about deeply exploring and promoting the excellent culture of China, enhancing national confidence, and innovating while carrying forward and glorifying the best. "The more you study Western culture, the more you feel the beauty of Chinese culture."… This is the conclusion of the renowned modern translator and art critic Fu Lei. His love for and profound understanding of Chinese painting began "when he was twenty-one or twelve years old, studying Western painting in the Louvre in Paris," which is quite meaningful. His national confidence stems from his deep understanding and insight into both Eastern and Western cultures. Similarly, Huang Binhong was confident in the strengths of our culture and dared to "open the door to welcome guests, with both host and guest enjoying themselves," and there was no need for fear or worry.