He conveys the texture, volume, and spatial sense of objects very richly. The clouds and mist are as light as feathers, but the strength of these rocks gives a sense of power. In terms of this artistic conception, it is also very rich. The potential and expression of ink painting are extremely rich, making it world-class. This painting inspires and excites people. I think Mr. Lai is a high-minded and unassuming practitioner with the true virtues of an artist. What moved me the most is his significant breakthroughs in Chinese landscape painting. Each step forward in his artistic consciousness requires a great deal of effort. Today, as an artist emerging at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, I feel that his ink and landscape paintings have reached a new height. He has perfectly integrated Chinese expressive techniques, intentions, thoughts, and the charm of brush and ink, capturing the spirit of nature. This level corresponds to the spirit of the times and holds a leading position in the world.

 

His works are powerful and the mountains stand tall, symbolizing the 1.3 billion people of the Chinese nation. This is not just a mountain but the cultural spirit and human presence of our millennia-old nation, with the swirling clouds representing the dynamic spirit surrounding the Chinese nation, standing firm in the world. Philosophically, these paintings, although landscapes, show the courageous and resilient spirit of the Chinese people, who have stood tall in the forest of world nations for thousands of years. The mountains, clouds, and water symbolize the continuous flow, change, development, and movement of our nation over thousands of years, leading to the present and evoking endless associations.

 

I believe that as a rising star in the art world at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, his landscape paintings have played a milestone role. His paintings have grandeur and profound depth. Seeing these paintings is like seeing the five-thousand-year history of the Chinese nation and the spirit of our times today. The mountains, clouds, and objects all embody the enduring spirit of the Chinese nation. His works reflect what General Secretary Xi Jinping has said about our ancient culture being the foundation and soul of our nation's survival and development. He expresses this soul through his art. The mountains stand firm, the clouds and mist move, symbolizing the eternal spirit of our nation.

 

Lai Zhigang has excluded many colors, focusing purely on ink painting. This ink painting is not a monotonous sketch. The ancients said ink contains five colors, but I believe it contains a multitude of colors. Through the ink, we see the brilliant China and the beauty of the Chinese land. If he hadn't observed, absorbed, and depicted nature, producing thousands of drafts, he wouldn't have been able to create such works. It's not easy. As an artist, he is the voice of the people. Our people are our lifeblood. As revolutionary cultural workers, we should naturally sing for the people, shout for our times, and for justice. Through his landscape painting language, he expresses a powerful voice.

 

We express our gratitude to Mr. Lai. His ink landscape paintings are a milestone in contemporary landscape painting innovation. Although I am older than him, I am willing to be his student and learn from him. Our Chinese national art must have a connection to the people. Mr. Lai's paintings are accessible to the public; first, the public can understand them, and second, they can grasp their meaning. Our art comes from the people, serves the people, and is for the people. He embodies this spirit of the times in his art.