Chinese landscape painting, ranging from majestic mountains and vast rivers to small bridges and flowing streams, encompasses a very wide range of subjects. Lai Zhigang is deeply devoted to painting grand mountains and rivers, striving to achieve the ultimate expression of the grandeur described by Sikong Tu in his "Twenty-Four Poetic Styles." Many painters throughout the history of Chinese landscape painting have pursued this majestic realm. I believe that Lai Zhigang stands out in this regard. I have been following his artistic practice closely over the past few years. Landscape painters have long wished to immortalize the mountains and rivers of their homeland, a goal that Li Keran once proposed. Many painters practice with this aspiration in mind. Lai Zhigang practice in recent years has made significant achievements in this aspect. His paintings are visually grand and can be described as majestic. Through his works, he expresses the spirit of the nation's landscapes and, in turn, the spirit of the Chinese people. I believe that Lai Zhigang efforts in this regard have been very effective.

 

I haven't seen an exhibition like this in years, and I feel that Lai Zhigang has made new progress. His paintings are like watching a widescreen movie or listening to a symphony, with a grand structure and imposing momentum. In this aspect, Lai Zhigang has achieved remarkable success.

 

Finding such grandeur within the scope of world art is my hope, but it's rare to find something that truly shocks you with its majesty. In Chinese painting, it is even rarer to encounter such grandeur. A few years ago, Lai Zhigang wife invited me to their home to see his paintings. His works made me feel the grandeur, which is not easy to achieve. His depiction of water and clouds exudes a sense of greatness. Lai Zhigang has always focused on painting and rarely participates in activities.

 

Lai Zhigang compositions are not typical panoramic views where the entire mountain is visible. Instead, he focuses on key sections. His scenes are shrouded in mist within mountain gorges, revealing the tension of complex internal forces. His paintings exhibit a sense of imminent drama, reminiscent of the phrase "black clouds pressing down on the city, about to destroy it." His compositions are concentrated and focused, leaving no space for the sky or ground, which often creates a tragic, epic effect.

 

The subject matter of landscape painting is broad, from grand mountains and vast rivers to small bridges and flowing streams, with endless layers to depict. Scholars throughout history have chosen different subjects to paint based on their interests. Lai Zhigang has chosen to depict the extreme grandeur of great mountains and rivers, expressing it through the perspective of "black clouds pressing down on the city." Thus, his paintings captivate and conquer the viewer's attention, striking deeply in their hearts.