Dreaming of the River Valley

Qiyun, or spirit resonance, is the most poignant element that makes an ink painting captivating. Other components such as the choice of colour and the composition come second. According to Xie He’s Six Rules of Painting from the Southern Dynasties, qiyun is the first principle when appreciating paintings. He Baili visited Mount Taihang three times and was in awe of the magnificent mountains. He would lose himself in secluded river valleys, mysterious foggy canyons and other breathtaking landscapes. With his original and astute brushstrokes, he transforms the crisp air and refreshing breeze in woods and mountains into a dreamy landscape, infusing the natural sceneries with vitality and artistic appeal. It is the allure underlying the imagery that strikes a spiritual chord and evokes reverie with the viewers. Over the past few years, the artist has rendered the beauty of Mount Taihang in multiple ways, from sketching to semi-realistic depiction, from figuration to abstraction, as shown in the present work. In doing so, the artist hopes to share the unique momentum and charm emanating from his artistic evolution.