The Scenic Three Gorges Captured in Their Essence
Li Hairui
The Yangtze River boasts of the fascinating Three Gorges created by Mother Nature in all her glory. Three Gorges consist of grandiose Qutang Gorge, meandering Wu Gorge and heavily-shoaled Xiling Gorge, all saturated in splendid colors. Tucked away among these are three little gorges. All of them form a veritable wonderland of clear water will plunging waterfalls and velvety hillsides，often rising to fantastic peaks —beckkoning travelers from afar.
Today, as part of China's national development, the massive Three-Gorge-Hydroelectric Project is set to beome a reality. The advertisement of the“Farewell to the Three Gorges”touches the hearts of numerous travelers who know them, both in China and abroad. Excursionists in increasing numbers are visiting them to participate in this farewell. Raising the water level by building the dam is not expected to decrease the essence of the Gorges' beauty. On the contrary, upon completion of the project, this scenic area will almost be preserved in its entity.
Nevertheless, visitors' fond memories dwell upon past recollections of the traditional gorges. With these thoughts in mind, Mr Yang Heyue, art artist, cruised through the Three Gorges four times in succession. As he looked eastward with the current of the water. Mr Yang exclaimed enthusiastically, "Keep this fabulous scenery as it is!" Then he donned the tools of his trade---parchment, brush and ink. With earnest emotion, the artist captured today's Three Gorges on paper.
Yang Heyue was born at the foot of beautiful Yandang Mountain. From his childhood, nature was his inspiration. During the 60s, he completed his studies at the China University of Art (formerly the Zhejiang College of Art), giving him the rudiments of his artistic skills. In his early years after graduation, he took up wood carving，only to abandon it in later years for a relentless pursuit of depicting mountain and water landscapes. Part of his studies was comparative art illustratiou, which enabled him to fuse classical and contemporary techniques into his own distinct and elegant style. At many exhibitions, his works received wide acclaim and distinguished awards from art collectors and lovers both at home abroad.
The Three Gorges have always been a popular subject matter for painters, most of whom portrayed only a section or passage. Mr Yang, however, united the panorama of all three gorges contiguously from Baidi Township in the west to Gezhou Dam in the east, onto one scroll. This is rare and representative of his momentous spirit.
His "Three Gorges" is painted no exquisitely that the interpretation seems to touch the heart of the gorges. Mr Yang's depiction is very unique and detailed, and light appears to radiate from his smoothly flowing brush strokes. Although the force of his brush is turbulent and unrestrained, Yang Heyue's paintings have the right touch of color and balance. This work fully expresses the painter's profound affection for the area.
The highly decorative binding of the scroll is done in an accordion-like traditional paper-folding technique. When folded, it is a book; unfolded, the entire scene can be viewed. The book is pocket-size and very portable for western tourists. The painter says, “Many artists like to publish coffee-table books, I prefer the beauty, originality and portability of a small, long and elegant scroll at a reasonable price." Special attention has been paid to current consumer trends in tourism. The artist's intention corresponds with both Chinese and foreign tourists' preference in buying souvenirs. This folding "pocket scroll" has more, appeal than a coffee--table book. Thus, beautiful and lofty art is made available to the general public.
As long as this humble "pocket scroll " lives, so shall the beauty of the Three Gorges.
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