Drawing Water from a Clear River at Dawn,1942

Rhythmic Vitality and Animation (IV)

The Art of Long Chin-san and Chinese Philosophy

According to ancient Chinese painting theory, “When one speaks of the ethereal soul, it is known as rhythmic vitality.” “Drawing Water from a Clear River at Dawn” (pictured) is an embodiment of Zhuangzi’s saying, “When the substantial scene is light in weight, the insubstantial scene appears.” Zhuangzi said that art should be clear, distant, ethereal and empty. Long’s works “An Excursion,” “Lost in the Clouds” and “Riverside Spring” all have distinct modes of expression, yet at their source they all arise from the pursuit of what Zhuangzi termed a mind of ethereal stillness.

Throughout his whole life Long Chin-san dedicated himself to developing traditional Chinese culture. But his rule was to always imply the Chinese spirit, leaving room for the imagination.