Watercolor Huangshan Scroll (Work 2000-2002)

Author: Gao Yongjun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: This ink painting of Huangshan Mountain was completed in December 2000, a span of two and a half years. The scroll is 34 centimeters wide and 12,300 centimeters long. Those days of painting passed like the wind, and at that time, painting was my sole purpose of existence. However, deep down, I still wanted to use it to honor my parents. But now, both my parents have left me, and neither I nor my painting know what to do. If one believes that the kindness of parents lies in nurturing, they would not know that the love of parents lies in nurturing the heart. Though filial piety, one may still fall short of the mean, and painting may perhaps purify the soul, truly realizing the desire to rely on heaven for parents. If honoring parents is a natural and righteous duty, then honoring heaven and earth is the fundamental morality we should possess, which must be eternal. This is related to what humans call their nature and instincts. But this force is not equivalent to wisdom and is distinct from religious reverence. The contemplation of honoring heaven and earth is about beauty. It should be said that the kindness of heaven and earth is not only about nurturing life but also about nurturing the heart. Those who paint landscapes honor heaven and earth, and must know that action must align with intention. The painter must immerse themselves in heaven and earth, then dissolve and pour into the painting, only then can they paint. When heaven and earth are harmonious as one, how magnificent and profound would that realm be! In truth, painting is a form of behavior, and the reason for this scroll's existence is clearly not singular, so the outcome is also different. However, in my artistic language, I express such an idea: I hope this natural environment is not merely reflected on paper but can coexist with the four seasons. I hope human history can merge with the earth and continue endlessly.