China’s Magnificence (Xingping Village)

When I was invited to show my vivid, mystical landscapes in a private art show in Guangzhou (China’s 3^rd most significant city) for private collectors in January 2019. We had the fantastic opportunity to visit small villages in China. In our travels, we stopped in Yangshuo and experienced their electric nightlife pulsed with energy and awe-inspiring old-world Chinese culture. Then from there, we traveled to Xingping Village, that’s where Monolithic China came to life. To learn more, click here.

Crossing the Li River

After crossing the Li River, we were transported in a three-wheeled cart that was a motor scooter with a box attached to the rear with seats. Stopping along the way, I saw the exact spot where a Chinese artist, in 1999, had created the image for the back of China’s 20 Yuan Banknote (The official abbreviation is CNY, although also commonly abbreviated as “RMB.”)

Artistic License for Monolithic China 

In south China’s Guangxi Province, this spot on the Li River, or Li Jiang, is in Guilin. It is renowned as being one of “the world’s top 10 watery wonders,” according to National Geographic, near Xingping. It is a paradise for photographers and painters. I was there, took my photo, and I felt inspired to paint “Monolithic China.” That’s when I used my artistic license and unique style for my next exhibition in China.

Li River, Guilin

The seemingly surreal southern Chinese karst landscape evolved from erosion and formed millions of karst hills and peaks. About 50 miles from Kunming, the Stone Forest extends this other-worldly and richly bio-diverse landscape as part of the South China Karst, one of UNESCO’s 878 World Heritage Sites.  The entire South China Karst takes up an impressive expanse of over 341,754 miles, including 7 Karst clusters and spanning over 4 Chinese provinces.

Chinese landscape

Along the Li River, sweet water makes the mountains come alive, while the graceful monolithic sentinels make the water more limpid. There is no doubt that Guilin has the perfect combination of mountains and water. It has stood out for millennia in its profound majesty, attracting people not only from all over China but from all over the globe.  These uniquely intriguing Chinese monoliths reflect the monolithic power and strength of the Chinese people. They are deeply rooted in their ancient culture and history. Their power structures and government systems, each acting like a monolith in a field of many other monoliths. Former US President Clinton praised the undeniable beauty of this region, remarking, “No place in China is more evocative of the beauty of your country than Guilin.” The river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins.