F O R W A R D
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In his forty years of practicing art, Yu Nancheng has learnt from the foreign artistic traditions, keeping in mind the essence of traditional Chinese culture, reinterpreting this blend of rich cultural heritage in the light of modern age with a genuine contemporary touch.
What inspired me in his art practice is the way he crosses the borders from East to West and from modernity to tradition. Bridging both elements, Yu Nan Cheng reflects on domestic economic progress and development; yet, the presence of ancestral practices suggests ambivalence - Tai Chi and Kongfu as immemorial art haunt the modern compositions in remembrance of former China.
Yu uses a unique technique of painting with an infinite perspective, leading to see the uniformity and harmony of people practicing Kongfu or Tai Chi as one. The term ‘Tai Chi’ may often seem solely as a name for a martial art practice; however, the significance of the concept is much deeper and undoubtedly occupies the heart of Chinese roots. The essence of Tai Chi is in the interaction and balance between opposing forces or flows, hard and soft, which have been skillfully captured in Yu’s work. The spatial ability in his artwork is only limited by the size of the canvas itself, extending great energy to the viewer. This powerful visual effect creates an impression of infinitude and immensity, giving strength to the traditional elements represented here - Chinese cultural heritage appears limitless and timeless.
I hope you will enjoy and feel through his paintings the puissant tradition of ancient China, its force and presence, and that you will realize as I did how Yu Nan Cheng is a promising artist of this rich heritage. Jazz Chong Director Ode To Art