Walk out of Bayankala

Author: Li Bao'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: The Journey Beyond Bayan Kara is a monumental scroll, measuring 2 meters high and 12.5 meters long. It is divided into ten sections: Spirit of the Sacred Mountain, Grand Opening Ceremony, Pilgrimage, Khata (Sacred Scarf), Mani Stones, Labor, Rest, Tibetan Opera, Horse Racing, and Starry Path. It depicts the activities of 266 characters, serving as an epic of Tibetan life. The scene is set against the backdrop of the Yellow River, showcasing the unique solemnity, grandeur, richness, and depth of the snow-covered civilization. While employing realistic techniques, the artist also emphasizes expressive elements, intensifies the contrast between black and white, and highlights the sculptural quality of the forms. By blending Eastern spirit with Western aesthetics, he greatly expands the expressive power of ink and wash, reaching a new height in the development of 20th-century ink and wash figure painting. Whether in terms of spiritual depth or technical execution, it deserves careful study by future generations. This painting offers readers far more than just technical skill—it presents an ideal and a spirit, a beautiful quality that deeply moves the soul. In this sense, The Journey Beyond Bayan Kara can be considered a landmark work.