Brushes with life (2)

The subjects of literati painting are often natural images such as orchids, bamboos and mountains, from which Chinese poets of all times traditionally find a spiritual resonance. Unlike professionally-trained artisan-painters who paint for the market, literati paint to solely express their philosophical reflections about life. Led by their instantaneous inspirations rather than skills, they care more about how their paintings feel than how they look.

Therefore, their creations often appear as freehand brush stokes without necessarily looking exactly like the original objects they attempt to portray. Just like in Chinese calligraphy, the painter's mood, temperament and personality are reflected through the rhythm of the strokes that vary in strength, thickness and density.

This impressionistic and liberal style -- or xieyi in Chinese -- has been one of Chinese art's most important aesthetics traditions. But since the early 20th century, Chinese artists have been noticeably divided as to whether it's necessary to incorporate or even fully apply Western realistic painting skills during art education and creation.

The introduction of new materials, techniques and ideas has surely enriched Chinese painting, says China Artists Association's chairman Liu Dawei. He says he feels sad that xieyi is losing its charm and position. But he respects Yan, who has given xieyi a glimpse of hope as he persisted in inheriting the traditional values of Chinese ink brush painting.

Yan says simplicity is the core value of xieyi as it lies in the spiritually ethereal world of ancient literati, who believe that the whole world could be reflected in a single flower. He says nature is traditionally a source of inspiration for literati painters and thus a close contact with the nature is essential.

But Peking University's professor Zhu sees more in Yan's art creations.

"Yan's understanding of ancient Chinese philosophy and art is definitely one of the best among contemporary painters. He often impresses me with his knowledge on ancient art like calligraphy and gardening. This has surely contributed to his achievement in painting," Zhu adds.

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