Painting “Xi Zhongxun in Nanliang” at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing attracted visitors.

Recently, the Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition is ongoing at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. A history theme painting “Xi Zhongxun in Nanliang” draws the attention of numerous viewers.

The painting depicts Xi Zhongxun, then chairman of the Soviet Government in Shaanxi-Gansu Border Revolutionary Base Area, together with the army and the people celebrating with joy.

On July 13, Chen Yan, the painter of this artwork, accepted an interview with Nanfang Daily to talk about this painting. Chen is the honorary president of Shantou Artists Association and the member of Chinese Artists Association.

Special passion for revolution theme

Chen Yan said, the painting was created in celebration of the CPC’s 90th anniversary and he felt greatly honored that it was exhibited in the Guangdong Art Centennial Exhibition.

Chen Yan was born and raised in a peasant family in northern Shaanxi, whose parents were both veterans with Xi Zhongxun as their political commissar. His experiences in Shaanxi’s Yan’an have profound impact on his creation, and he also has special passion for creating revolution theme paintings. Chen said, the painting was his respect for and a review of the historic achievements of the older generation.

In the 1930s, supported by the leadership of the Party and the masses, communists represented by Liu Zhidan and Xi Zhongxun built the Shaanxi-Gansu Border Revolutionary Base Area centering on Longdong’s Nanliang. Based on that, the CPC established the first Border Area Soviet Government in northwest China.

Before creating this painting, Chen looked up mass data and read through the book “Xi Zhongxun in Shaanxi-Gansu Border Revolutionary Base Area” where he gained inspiration. In the painting, Xi Zhongxun is surrounded by Red Army soldiers, workers, peasants and the masses; with ear of wheat, surnai and red flag.

“Nanliang spirit” in the painting

Chen said, all the characters in the painting are derived from real life. “A student of Lenin Elementary School in the painting is derived from my school life in Yan’an.”

Based on life has always been Chen’s creative concept. Now over seventy years old Chen Yan still has great passion for creation. His rich experiences constantly inspire him and enable him to accomplish painting creation with ease. He said he is influenced by the “Nanliang spirit” and hopes more people can see this painting and gain strength from it.

Using Chinese painting to depict grand scene

Chen said, “Large-scale oil paintings of the West usually present grand occasion close to the real historical events, with relatively real historical figures. ‘Xi Zhongxun in Nanliang’ is a Chinese painting with the features of western oil paintings. This is an important exploration for me.”