 |
Laozi and Zhuangchou, who were citizens of the ancient Chu in the South (and the originators of Neo-Confucianism and Taoism respectively), were both drawnto mountains and rivers as a source of tranquility and enlightenment. The Yangtze, especially, lies in a temperate zone, and all four of its seasons are memorable. Along its route an endless, changing, geography of mountains, gorges, hills and plains unfolds -- scenes that have inspired countless literary works, poems, and songs. |
In the year 2003, the great Shanxia Dam, the first stage of the gigantic Three Gorges Hydroelectric and Flood Control Project is scheduled to be completed. The dam will stop the flow of the Yangtze, and alter its character forever. The downstream volume will be drastically reduced, and the upstream will be permanently flooded. Many historical sites including the Zhang Fei Temple in Yunyang county will be inundated, while the Shibaozhai in Zhongxian county and Baidichen in Fengji county where is at Chongqing will become lonely islets in the river center. The traditional scenes that so excited poets and artists will be transformed in so many ways, sometimes beyond recognition. They will live only in memory, and in the art they once inspired. In the following pages, we have assembled a collection of works by contemporary artists portraying these scenes before they are wiped from the face of the land. We hope these pages will be like the river itself, a place of magic, with their changing seasons, their simple or majestic rivers capes; a painted corridor lined with the history and beauty of China.
Andrew Zhao
Curator, The Painted Corridor
Chongqing, China
P.S. These works have been done by our artists to save the memory of the Yangtze river. But they are nowhere near a complete archive of the beauties of the Yangtze. Our artists need financial support to complete their goal for posterity. Your earliest donation for our proposal will be very much appreciated. For more information about our proposal, please contact the Curator, Andrew Zhao via the email: Andrew_Rtouve@hotmail.com
Copyright by China Portrayer Service Co., Ltd., China, 2001-2005
previous>> |