Describe the beauty of the Jiangnan water town

Yang Mingyi has devoted himself to painting the Jiangnan Water Villages, developing a style that is unmistakably his own. The Jiangnan Water Towns are already renowned for their beauty, but through Yang Mingyi’s brush, they acquire a deeper charm.

In 1978, while sketching, Yang Mingyi discovered Zhouzhuang and immediately wrote to authorities, advocating for the preservation of the ancient town. Today, Zhouzhuang is not only carefully protected but also recognized globally as “China’s first water town.” It is fitting to honor Yang Mingyi as the “first painter of Jiangnan water and ink villages in China.”

The Charm of Jiangnan Water Villages

Jiangnan offers a landscape unlike any other. When one thinks of Jiangnan, images of clear waters, lush hills, stone bridges, and flowing streams come to mind. In spring, golden rape flowers bloom, and rhododendrons cover the mountainsides. The Jiangnan Water Villages themselves are exceptional: homes built alongside rivers and hills, backed by greenery and fronted by flowing streams, with quaint bridges arching above the water.

The architecture is equally distinct—white walls, black-tiled roofs, arched eaves, and blue bricks integrate practical knowledge of construction, geography, feng shui, and fire safety. The result is a natural painting brought to life, capturing the poetic charm of the south of the Yangtze River.

For centuries, literati, poets, and writers have been captivated by Jiangnan, leaving behind poems, essays, and stories celebrating its beauty. Photographers, calligraphers, and painters have similarly tried to capture the essence of this enchanting landscape. Yang Mingyi’s depictions are fresh, refined, poetic, and dreamlike, blending poetry and painting seamlessly.

His brushwork reflects the gentle breeze and soft drizzle of Jiangnan, conveying a sense of softness and tranquility. With his modest demeanor, keen insight, and unique perspective, Yang Mingyi has captured the region’s distinctive beauty, illustrating the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Meeting Yang Mingyi

I first encountered Mr. Yang Mingyi in 2005 during a creative symposium organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Chinese Artists Association in Nanchang. This gathering brought together prominent painters from across China. I was fortunate to witness Mr. Yang Mingyi’s exceptional work firsthand.

His approach is distinctive. While most painters rely solely on brushes, Yang Mingyi uses a combination of brushes and unconventional tools. Observers are drawn to his method, which involves adjusting ink and paint on a palette before transferring it onto rice paper. He begins with large brushes to outline distant mountains, clouds, ridges, bridges, and streams. Then, with smaller brushes, he details woods, birds, swallows in flight, ducks and geese on the water, and villagers tending their fields, all depicted in soft drizzle and mist. His work vibrates with life, rhythm, and harmony, perfectly reflecting the Jiangnan water villages.

On one occasion, through the recommendation of Mr. Cai Chao, I visited Mr. Yang Mingyi at his hotel. That evening, our conversation flowed naturally; we connected instantly. He gifted me a collection of his works and even painted a Jiangnan Water Village piece for me on the spot, leaving me deeply touched.

Mr. Yang is not only an accomplished artist with rich knowledge and refined cultivation, but also a warm, compassionate, and kind-hearted gentleman. Despite geographical distance, we have kept in touch through messages and phone calls over the years. When he returned to Nanchang for another art event, our meeting was even more relaxed and congenial, and he presented me with his latest book, Collection of Sketches.

Discovering Zhouzhuang

Yang Mingyi’s art is deeply rooted in life and nature. He immerses himself in the environment, sketching outdoors and observing the light, rain, and daily rhythms that inspire his creativity. This direct engagement with life provides him with authentic materials and ideas for his paintings.

In 1978, while sketching, Yang Mingyi discovered Zhouzhuang. Enchanted by its beauty, he created numerous sketches and materials. Rather than keeping the discovery to himself, he shared it with colleagues and friends, including Wu Guanzhong and Chen Yifei, inviting them to sketch and explore Zhouzhuang. He also wrote to authorities advocating for its preservation. Thanks to his efforts, Zhouzhuang has been well-protected and developed, gaining recognition as China’s first water town and achieving international renown.

Yang Mingyi’s Unique Ink Painting Style

Yang Mingyi’s dedication to art has been unwavering. Born in 1943, he graduated from Suzhou College of Arts and Crafts in 1962 and furthered his studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1981. His talent and artistic sensibility were already evident, earning him recognition in exhibitions nationwide.

In 1987, he moved to the United States for further studies, attending the Art Institute in San Francisco and later the New York Youth Art Students League, graduating in 1991. Throughout his career, he has continuously explored, learned, and refined his style, producing work that captures the poetic beauty of Jiangnan Water Villages in an unparalleled and highly personal manner.