Examining Cen Long's Artistic Philosophy through Tolstoy's Art Theory

Examining Cen Long's Artistic Philosophy through Tolstoy's Art Theory

Leo Tolstoy dedicated his entire life to writing, striving to disseminate his humanistic ideas and to approach the concept of real life. Cen Long's creations resonate with a similar sentiment. Tolstoy believed, "Art is the expression of emotion, and the best art expresses religious emotions that connect all of humanity." Here, "religious" does not refer to art created for religious services; instead, Tolstoy admired works like Millet's "The Gleaners" from the 18th century, considering paintings that subtly reveal religious beliefs while being accessible to the public as true art.

Here, I would like to discuss Cen Long's "Distant Mountains" (2015). In the vast barren fields, a shepherdess gently strokes a goat, sharing tender affection. The emotional connection between humans and animals unfolds in the vast expanse, with the composition endowing the shepherdess with the aura of an epic hero. Simultaneously, it captures the fleeting moment of love, evoking deep emotions. I believe this reflects Tolstoy's advocacy that art must be "religious," meaning it should embody the benevolent spirit transmitted by religion. Through unwavering faith, people can overcome challenges in their ordinary lives without fear. Cen Long's painting conveys a power of goodness and love that transcends religious forms. I believe viewers with strong religious beliefs should sense a caring presence from the vast universe, finding solace and comfort for their spirits.

In Cen Long's work "Offering to the Sea" (2014), a fisherman's wife prays for her husband's safe return from the sea, her forlorn soul finding solace and courage in her belief in the divine. Tolstoy asserted that good artistic expression is not merely the manifestation of emotion but the transmission of emotion. Moreover, this transmission of emotion should be simple and natural, moving people unintentionally.

Due to my deep emotional connection to Cen Long's paintings, I have dedicated myself to promoting his art. Although his works may be challenging to position in contemporary art, I am convinced that his paintings convey sublime spiritual values, acting as nourishment that modern individuals must infuse into the depths of their souls. It is a form of artistic expression equivalent to a religious height. Over the past decade, I have studied his various periods of painting styles, techniques, delved into his thoughts, moral conduct, and hobbies. Strangely, I always feel that his artistic thinking aligns with Tolstoy's artistic arguments proposed in the 19th century. Tolstoy believed, "Great works of art are great because they are understandable by the common people."

The classic work "Son of the Sun" was initially completed in early 2014 and, after several revisions, finally reached its satisfactory completion in 2016. With a concise and powerful composition, a boy destined to toil throughout his life stands on the golden plateau. The gaze of the plowman boy draws viewers into a complex realm, prompting questions about his thoughts and the nature of his world. The burden of the plow also carries another metaphor, resembling the cross of life, an inescapable destiny. Cen Long consistently uses the simplest strokes and the most straightforward colors to outline the appearance of ordinary laborers. Yet beneath the easily understandable surface, his paintings contain profound spiritual significance.

I remember when I first met Cen Long, he said, "I hope my paintings look ordinary and unremarkable, but viewers, after looking for a while, will enter into the painting. Perhaps they will laugh, perhaps they will cry, but all will be deeply moved." Over the years, I have encountered many viewers deeply moved by Cen Long's works. Some have shed tears, some have contemplated the true essence of life, and others, like myself, have tirelessly worked to promote his art. Genuine and great emotions always reveal themselves in ordinary moments, especially maternal love. "The Journey Home" (2018) is equally touching. As a thunderstorm approaches, a mother hurries home with her child, burdened with the heavy sheaves of wheat. Standing before the painting, one can feel the tension before the mountain storm and the weight of the wheat. The mother and child appear fragile yet resilient, while the light from above brings divine radiance.

Tolstoy also had an essential viewpoint on art: not for art's sake, but for the sake of art. He believed this is genuine artistic expression, a perspective fundamentally different from the pursuit of contemporary art. "Art for art's sake" is the pursuit of many artists, creating art for the sake of artistic expression is natural. But Cen Long creates art not for the sake of art, which means he does not intentionally paint for the sake of artistic creation. He has loved drawing since he was a child, so he draws. He hopes his paintings can live up to his conscience and do justice to his beloved parents. Therefore, he diligently pursues his achievements in painting.

Source｜Artemperor / Author｜Metra Lin

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