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Xu Jiajue, a Chinese artist, depicts the spirit of rural China on his canvas. His landscapes illustrate not only the natural beauty of pastoral settings but also convey the deep cultural and emotional connections between people and their land.
Xu Jiajue. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_cabe64129411]
Born and raised in Guilin, Guangxi, Xu grew up surrounded by the city's famous karst mountains and the winding Lijiang River. His artistic ideas originate from detailed field sketches of Guilin's countryside, where he often drew villages such as Yangshuo and Longsheng. These experiences nurtured his love for rural life, fueling his creativity. Using traditional Chinese ink-wash techniques, he depicts the gentle shapes of mountains, the glistening surface of rivers, and the vibrant rice paddies, giving each piece a peaceful, timeless quality.
A painting by Xu depicts misty karst mountains along the Lijiang River under the spring light. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_cabe64129411]
Xu's artistic journey is characterized by a continuous pursuit of excellence in his creative endeavors. He spent many days traveling through distant villages, sketching landscapes at different times and weather conditions. This commitment helped him grasp nature's changing moods and reflect them in his art. Over time, his paintings' portrayal shifted from realistic depictions to more expressive pieces, where light, shadow, and color weave stories of rural life, tradition, and the passage of time.
His efforts have garnered widespread recognition. Xu was named among China's "Top 100 Contemporary Artists", and his works have been displayed in major galleries nationwide and collected by art lovers around the world. During the Year of the Dragon celebrations, his pieces were featured in a grand exhibition that highlighted traditional Chinese art to an international audience. These accolades not only highlight his artistic talent but also underscore the cultural importance of his work in preserving and promoting China's rural heritage.
Today, Xu is more than an artist, he is a cultural ambassador. He uses art workshops and mentorship programs to pass on his knowledge of traditional Chinese painting to younger generations, cultivating new talent. In a world driven by urbanization, his art highlights the beauty and importance of the countryside, bridging the past and present, and encouraging a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.
A painting captures a lively farmhouse scene. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_96ce517e82e6]
