Metamorphosis represents profound change and transformation. It is so important in the life of an artist. As an artist grows, he experiences shifts in perspectives, behaviors, and attitudes. In addition, major life experiences, such as overcoming challenges or achieving goals, can lead to profound personal change. Yu Chun Ming’s metamorphosis has led him to profound self-awareness, resilience, emotional well-being and wisdom. His personal growth has helped him to shape his work through keen observations and deep reflections of time and space transforming his work with universality and harmony.

Yu Chunming’s growth started after he had the opportunity to travel to the country side of China. By traveling through thousands of miles in China and by staying in remote villages and dwellings, Yu gained a sense of what “home’ means to the Chinese. The concept of home, a place where a group of villagers live, reflects communal values and cultural narratives. The stories shared represent not only the explicit landscape but also the inner emotional landscape. He was transformed. His stories of transformation symbolize his deeper themes of change, identity, and rebirth. He has captured the unique cultural elements of JIA(home) which is different from other cultures. By transversing into hundreds and thousands of homes, he came to the realization of the JIA culture. All societies and cultures undergo metamorphosis in response to social, political, or technological changes. China is no exception. The diverse landscapes of his home country, China, and the diverse ethnic groups in China has provided him with his inspiration and his metamorphosis. Indeed, his metamorphosis has offered insights into human experiences and societal changes. His paintings and symbols of JIA tell us stories and inspire us to seek personal meanings and collective transformation. He spent ten long years painting the villages, the houses, the landscapes and bricks and mortar of bygone days. He knows that time may destroy some buildings and changes may alter the lifestyles of the villages, he has done his best to capture a moment in  time. His paintings illustrate how traditional architectural elements were represented offering a sense of nostalgia and comfort through the paintings of Jili (muscles) carved into the structures with the passing of time. In this way, the intersection of time and space tells his stories.

Metamorphosis is crucial because it embodies the dynamic nature of life, highlighting the potential for growth, adaptation, and renewal across different realms. His artistic metamorphosis involves changes in styles, techniques, themes, and his own approach over time. He has continued to experiment and evolve. He has explored new forms of expression and creative boundaries. By traveling to the United States and other countries and by living outside of China, his topics and styles have evolved, and he has stayed relevant and connected with a contemporary global audiences. His versatility and craftmanship are demonstrated through his creative exploration of subject matter and personal transformation. One may want to ask: What is uniquely Chunming?

The answer to this question may not be easy. I can try to explain his uniqueness by examining the notion of universality. It is clear that there is universality in his work and the themes and subjects explored by Yu Chungming have undergone significant changes. His worldview shifted after he experienced the death of Mother Teresa. He was deeply moved by the outpouring of grief after the passing of Mother Teresa. This transformative experience led him to explore new themes which allowed him to reflect and comment on the evolving societal issues and personal insights. Yu’s s overall philosophy and vision has continued to transform, leading to new directions in his work. He has shifted from a focus on aesthetics to exploring conceptual and philosophical ideas. Changes in his beliefs and values have also led him to make significant changes in his focus and message. I found deep meanings in his work and these meanings have impacted my views about China and her culture. Further, his evolution in philosophy and vision have also deepened the meaning and impact of my world views. His artistic metamorphosis has reflected his curiosity and a strong quest for personal and professional fulfillment.

Colors, light, and lines are fundamental elements in art that interact in dynamic ways to influence artistic transformation. Each element plays a crucial role in shaping visual experiences, conveying emotions, and driving stylistic changes. As Yu evolves, he uses colors in new ways to convey different messages and explore new themes. He uses yellow, blue, indigo, red from the somber and deep blues to the vibrant and delightful hues of red to reflect a shift in emotional and thematic focus. His changes in color usage have affected the composition and contrast within a work. Yu learned the infusion of light after he left China and as light affects how he represents form, volume and depth. Over time, Yu Chunming has experimented with light to achieve different effects to align with his new artistic goals. Yu uses light and color to capture the fleeting effects of natural light and atmosphere, transforming how landscapes, dwellings, mountains and sceneries are depicted. Additionally, his manipulation of light draws attention to specific elements within a composition. He shifts the use of light to emphasize particular aspects of his work and to guide the viewer’s eye in new ways. As a result, viewing his work is a transformative process.

Lines are fundamental in creating structure and defining forms. As Chunming evolves, he has experimented with line quality (e.g., thick vs. thin, straight vs. curved) to achieve different effects. His use of dynamic lines have conveyed vitality, meaning, sensitivity , movement and emotion. Chunming has shifted from representational to abstract uses of lines, moving away from traditional forms to explore new visual languages. He has used lines to convey emotion and spirituality, moving beyond representational boundaries.His interplay between colors, light, and lines has created complex and evolving artistic effects. I feel a sense of emotional resonance, depth and harmony when viewing his work. The evolution in his use of colors, light, and lines has led to significant changes in his artistic tapestry of visual expression. His transformation over time reflects his evolving vision, technical experimentation, and responses to changing influences and themes.

Universality in Yu Chunming’s artistic expression is demonstrated through his ability o to resonate across different cultures, eras, and individual experiences, creating a shared understanding or emotional response regardless of cultural or temporal context. This concept highlights how certain themes, symbols, and aesthetic qualities in his art can have a broad and enduring appeal. Through the magic touch of his brush, Yu explores fundamental aspects of the human experience through the paintings of a quiet lane, a dog wandering through the narrow lanes after the rain, a sleepy lotus at the end of the summer, fallen leaves in deep autumn evoking emotions, such as love, loneliness, loss, and joy. These themes are universally relatable because they address common aspects of life that transcend cultural boundaries. Themes related to nature, existence, and the cosmos are also universal. Yu depicts the natural world and existential questions in ways that reflect shared human curiosity and awe. Furthermore, his work evokes  emotions that connect viewers with experiences outside their own. and transcended specific cultural contexts, reaching people on a fundamental emotional level.

Intuition also plays a significant role in Yu Chunming’s painting, often guiding him in ways that go beyond technical skill and conscious thought. He allows his intuition to tap into a natural, spontaneous creative flow. This has led to unexpected and unique results that might not emerge through deliberate planning. He used a knife to carve into his painting leaving the marks of weather and the story of time on his canvas. His intuition helps him to make his decisions quickly and effectively based on a sense of what he feels right or aesthetically pleasing. He conveys his emotions and moods by translating feelings into visual elements, creating a deeper connection between his artwork and the viewers. His Intuitive thinking has suggested unconventional solutions and new directions to his creative process. I believe that he relies on intuition and spontaneous actions to express his feelings. This unplanned and instinctive approach can capture raw and genuine emotions.

Over the decades, his intuition contributes to the development of a personal artistic style that allows him to embrace his unique vision and preferences, rather than adhering strictly to techniques, traditions or trends. His intuitive painting encourages experimentation and risk-taking and he has explored new techniques, materials, and frontiers that feel right to him in the moment, leading to innovative and original work. His intuition helps him navigate the creative process with a sense of freedom and authenticity leading to more innovative, expressive and impactful paintings. Nature exhibits patterns and structures that are aesthetically pleasing. He expresses his journey through painting a spectrum of observations: from the symmetry of a pine tree to the fractal patterns of walls and roof tiles, these forms often align with the natural experience of wear and tear. The natural world is rich in colors, sounds and lights. Sunsets, rain drops, mist, rainbows, and the deep greens of trees and forests can evoke strong aesthetic responses because of their striking visual qualities. Yu tries to capture his deep feelings and combines complexity with simplicity. His intricate details of a flower or a leaf are both simple in concept and complex in his execution, appealing to our sense of order and elegance.

As I indicated earlier, many aspects of nature are universal and timeless. Mountains, rivers, and forests are constant elements in human experience, making them familiar and comforting sources of beauty. Nature often evokes emotional responses such as peace, warmth, sorrow, melancholy, awe, or wonder. These emotional connections can enhance our perception of beauty, as experiences in nature often resonate deeply with our personal and cultural values. In essence, nature represents beauty because it embodies qualities that are visually appealing, emotionally resonant, and universally recognizable, creating a profound connection with human experiences and perceptions. Yu’s individuality often shines through in how he experiments with new forms, techniques, or concepts. By pushing boundaries and exploring unconventional methods, he revealed his unique personal perspectives and emotions. He has relied on intuition and spontaneous actions to express his feelings. This unplanned and instinctive approach has captured my raw and genuine emotions.

Wisdom enhances his arts by providing depth, perspective, and emotional resonance, helping him create work that is meaningful, impactful, and enduring. His wisdom comes from a deep understanding of life and human experiences. His work guided by wisdom has infused profound insights, explored complex themes and emotions that resonate deeply with audiences. His wisdom has helped him to place his work within a broader context. This involves his understanding of historical, cultural, or philosophical perspectives, which enriches the meaning and relevance of his art. His wisdom contributes to his emotional intelligence, allowing him to convey nuanced emotions and experiences. This emotional depth can make art more impactful and relatable. His wisdom has helped him to balance technical skill with emotional expression, guiding him in choosing the most effective methods and techniques for his vision.

In addition, simplicity and complexity in art can evoke universal appreciation. Simple, clear forms can be universally understood, while complex compositions can engage viewers from diverse backgrounds through their intricacy and depth. I sense the simplicity of his heart and the complexity of his emotions in his art. His art transcends cultural boundaries and are enduring and can withstand the test of times. The timelessness of his work transcends time and space. Powerful messages can be transmitted. Universality in artistic expression lies in the ability of art to communicate and evoke shared human experiences, emotions, and values across different cultures and time periods. Through common themes, symbols, and aesthetic qualities, art can transcend individual and cultural differences, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation. The universal aspect of his art helps build connections between people from diverse backgrounds and enriches the global cultural landscape. Yu attempts to express his personal values through his paintings in various ways, integrating his beliefs, perspectives, and experiences into his artwork. This expression can be explicit or subtle, and it often reflects his unique individual worldview, his social commentary, and his emotional state. One does not usually know the intention behind a painting—whether to inspire, provoke thought, or convey beauty. Yu has created cultural dialogues by providing insights into his world and engaging us to consider our own. Furthermore, Yu Chun Ming frequently addresses themes of cultural identity and the impact of globalization on traditional values. His work often reflects a dialogue between traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern, global influences. His work provides insight into the broader cultural and societal shifts affecting personal and collective experiences of home.

Perhaps a better way to interpret Yu Chunming’s stories is to adopt the concept of 天人合一(tiānrénhéyī) in viewing his body of work. This concept is crucial in Chinese philosophy and art, often translated as “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” or “Harmony between Heaven and Man.” It represents a profound idea where the natural world (Heaven) and human existence (Man) are seen as interconnected and harmoniously integrated. Yu emphasizes that human life is deeply connected to the natural world and embraces this idea by reflecting nature’s beauty, rhythms, and principles in his works, illustrating how humans are a part of a greater cosmic order. He also presents a balance and harmony between human actions and the natural environment striving to create works that reflect this balance, showing how human creativity and nature can coexist harmoniously. He consistently draws inspiration from nature, not merely as a subject matter but as a guiding principle to explore natural forms, colors, and patterns, demonstrating the unity between their artistic expression and the natural world as time passes. For him, embodying 天人合一 means integrating philosophical depth into his work and reflecting on the relationship between human emotions, experiences, and the larger forces of nature and the cosmos. He uses imagery from nature—such as landscapes, houses, animals, or flora and fauna to highlight the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world signifying unity and harmony.

I have had the fortune to engage in numerous deep discourses with Yu Chunming. The way he talks about his work, his creative process, and his reflections on his art has provided me with the insight into his personal feelings and individuality. His life experiences including being penniless and his personal struggles of finding resources and inspiration have touched me deeply. The emotional depth and authenticity in his art can be a direct reflection of his personal arduous and triumphant journey. Overall, the interplay of these factors allows him to convey his feelings and individuality, creating work that resonates on both a personal and a universal level. He has created work with timeless themes and messages that remain relevant across different contexts and eras. Yu Chunming’s art can transcend momentary trends and speak to fundamental aspects of the human condition. He is resilient and patient, his resilience helps him navigate and refine his work overtime. I salute his passion and offer my deepest respect to him.

How does an artist create balanced compositions that reflect harmony and order? This could involve using symmetry, proportion, and spatial harmony to evoke a sense of unity and using color schemes and forms that reflect natural harmony. For example, Chunming uses soothing and balanced color palettes to represent natural balance. Through his compositions and use of traditional Chinese artistic principles, he embodies the philosophical depth of 天人合一. By reinterpreting traditional themes in a contemporary context, Chunming bridges the gap between ancient Chinese philosophy and modern artistic expression. This approach highlights the enduring relevance of 天人合一 in contemporary art. His representation of 天人合一 demonstrates a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and nature, reflecting both traditional values and modern artistic sensibilities. Overall, for an artist like Yu, 天人合一 can be seen as a call to create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply resonant with the natural and spiritual aspects of existence. I believe that Chunming must be constantly engaged in meditative or reflective practices that help him connect with nature and his inner self. He allows his feelings to influence his creative process and the themes he explores in his work. During COVID, most of the world was shut down and people were locked inside their houses. Many developed a sense of helplessness and depression, Yu used this occasion to challenge himself and his work during this period presented his deep emotions of fear, anxiety, helplessness and isolation. Artists can help us understand the tides of times by showing us how we as human beings can cope with the challenges and eventually overcome this shared human experience.

In essence, Yu Chunming’s ability to captivate and engage viewers on multiple levels can create an experience where time feels suspended, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in its beauty and mystery. In my view, a painting can achieve a sense of “eternity” through a few key elements:

Timelessness of Theme: Paintings that address universal themes—such as love, beauty, nature, or the human condition—can resonate across different eras and cultures. These themes have a lasting relevance that helps a work endure. His paintings create a sense of mystery inviting us to travel through time in deep contemplation. His body of work makes it easy to lose track of time while pondering the subject’s emotions and his artistic intent.

Masterful Technique: Exceptional skill in technique and execution can make a painting stand out and be remembered. Masterpieces often feature innovative techniques, intricate details, or a unique style that captures the viewer’s attention and imagination. His intricate details, from the delicate rendering of a roof tile to the mysterious background of the mountain mist, demand attention. The skill and precision involved in his paintings has drawn viewers into a contemplative state, where time seems to slow down.

Cultural Impact: When a painting influences other artists, movements, or even public perception, it can become an integral part of cultural history. Works that inspire or provoke thought often gain a lasting place in our collective consciousness. Yu’s knowledge of the rich history of China and its significance as a cultural and historical artifact can add to the sense of reverence and awe. This awareness can enhance the experience, making it feel more profound and timeless.

Historical Significance: Paintings that capture a significant historical moment can become symbols of that period. Their relevance to history can help them endure over time. Yu’s paintings of the villages, alleyways, stone slabs, stone walls, roof tiles, have caught a moment in time in history and through his touch that moment turns into eternity. The traces of time remaining on the canvas will bear witness of the bygone rhythms. Emotional Resonance: Paintings that evoke strong emotions or personal such Such deep connections can leave a lasting impact on viewers. When people feel a deep connection to a work, it is more likely to be remembered and cherished.

In sum, Yu Chunming, times after time, has effectively embodied and communicated the concept of 天人合一, creating work that resonates with both the natural world and the human experience. Through his compositions and his use of artistic principles of the East and the West, he seamlessly embodies the philosophical depth of 天人合一. Yu’s masterful use of techniques has created a sense of depth and realism that feels timeless.

The enduring beauty and finesse of his work can make the moment of viewing feel suspended. Yu Chunming’s paintings become part of eternity not just through its physical survival, but through the ways they continue to touch and inspire people across time. In essence, Yu Chunming’s ability to captivate and engage viewers on multiple levels can create an experience where time feels suspended, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in its beauty and mystery.

I hold my breath while watching his paintings, time stands still, and eternity seems possible. I patiently await his next masterpiece.