Discovering the Simple Art that Moves Life — Interview with Lin Xuanhan, Head of Han Art

Title: Seeking the Simple and Touching Art of Life – An Interview with Lin Xuanhan, Head of Han Art

Source: Art Focus Issue 8, May 2015
Author: Li Yiyi
Exhibition:
May 15, 2015 - May 16, 2015

Formosa Art Show

Exploring the Common Simplicity and Kindness of Humanity

Born in China in 1957 and having spent part of his childhood in France, Cen Long actively participated in the transformative movement of 1980s Chinese art known as the "85 New Wave." Like many contemporary Chinese artists, his early paintings drew inspiration from Western modern art, incorporating elements from his own life. At that time, he had numerous imitators.

As time passed and many Chinese artists around him turned to political pop art, using satire and mockery to align with global art trends and achieving considerable success, Cen Long chose a different path. He embarked on a period of reflection.

During this time, Cen Long began to travel extensively, deliberately getting close to local people. He discovered that, regardless of the corner of the world, whether it be the ethnic minorities in northwest China, southern fishermen and farmers, shepherds in Brittany, France, fisherwomen along the coast of Japan's Seto Inland Sea, or farmers in Ukraine's Chabrosh, they all possessed the same qualities of innocence, kindness, and simplicity. These were the qualities that Cen Long had always cared deeply about. These simple people profoundly moved and earned his respect, becoming the subjects of all his works.

After a long period of contemplation, he decided to take a different path from the contemporary Chinese artists of today. He hoped that people around the world would recognize the most beautiful essence of Chinese painting, not just as imitations and reproductions of Western art. He wanted to show the world that there are sincere artists in China who can explore the universal spirits of simplicity and kindness with their brushes.

He continued to adopt a realistic approach close to life, but he manifested an inner spiritual expression with a familial touch. He decided not to consider what is contemporary or classical, what is advanced or outdated. He simply wanted more people to see and experience the truth, goodness, and beauty as he understood them from art. He believed this should be the most anticipated message people seek from artistic creations.

Renowned art critic Professor Huang Zuan once commented on Cen Long's art, and I would like to borrow this statement to conclude Cen Long's artistic expression and pursuit: "He takes Northern farmers, seafaring fishermen, even monks and Xinjiang nomads as his subjects, blending the imagined subjects with the portrayal of nature. He depicts an ideal world that is self-sufficient and symbolically meaningful, reaching a nearly religious height in his efforts to create a personal utopia." (Author: Lin Xuanhan)

Cen Long

Born in Guangzhou, China, in 1957. Graduated with a master's degree from Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts in 1980. Member of the China Artists Association and participant in the 85 New Wave movement in Hubei Province. Currently a professional painter.

His painting style is unadorned, with meticulous brushwork, rigorous composition, and deep, subdued colors that exude strength. He expresses profound meanings in a straightforward manner, achieving enduring and thought-provoking purposes. The depth lies within the strokes, and the emotions reside within the images. Through his works, one can sense moments of freshness and tranquility, allowing humanity living in the noisy reality to once again experience the serene beauty and return to the pure essence of humanity.

Art Focus Issue 8