There is nothing more lyrical than the Suzhou houses, period. They blend poetically with the landscape like a Chinese painting, whether by the river ways and intertwining bridges, or along the ancient streets, sometimes whitewash, sometimes dated yet emanating an understated beauty beyond the crumbly walls.
This was especially so along Pingjiang Street, running parallel along the river of the same namesake. There are new shops and teahouses a-plenty with an endless bustle of yuppies, locals young and old, tourists of course, but somehow the charm of ancient Suzhou is retained with architectural delights surprising at every turn. A little boat rows by on the canal, an old boatman with silver hair singing a familiar Chinese tune, yet so fitting to the atmosphere together with the photography shoots of young beautiful models in traditional costumes every 50 feet it seems. A happening place this is, as it must have been all those years ago in ancient Song Dynasty. But the houses attract me the most, with many varied exquisite designs laid out in a haphazard yet harmonious manner along the narrow stone pathway, especially the silent ones on the opposite river bank with the quintessential black triangular roof lines elegantly sketching the skyline. And that is what struck a chord in me most that resulted in this painting..
Title: Suzhou Houses 苏州屋 (O86)
Description: Houses by the Pingjiang River in Suzhou struck an emotional chord with the artist. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
Purchase at: yen.artfire.com
A lyrical place makes an inspiring one. Simply love the old streets in Suzhou, with beautiful whitewash houses in the ancient style and the interweaving poetic arching roofs, all coming together like a Chinese painting scene, much like ancient China coming alive before one's very eyes.
What mysterious abodes lie behind those carved doors? What stories go on behind those pretty windows? What inspired those stunningly beautiful classical gardens that Suzhou is famous for? What about the beautiful women that Suzhou is known for? What about the aspirations of modern day China? The tug between the historical and the new must have created much upheavals in the lives of the Suzhou people, even as these ancient buildings quietly watch by..
With these thoughts swirling, the painting was created. A tad muted in colour compared to my previous works, but that was the feeling that these streets gave to me.
Title: The Way Home 回 (O85)
Description: A poignant piece inspired by the poetic streets of Suzhou. China 2013.
Medium: Oil on Ready-to-Hang Canvas.
Dimensions: 61 x 61cm.
SOLD.
