Reminiscence of Mount Nan (南山之憶)

Mr. Li Hongzhao’s *Memories of Nanshan* directly references Tao Yuanming’s verse from *Drinking Poems*: “Plucking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountain.” It evokes a profound nostalgia for the tranquility of pastoral life and its spiritual solace. The painting employs expressive brushwork to depict blooming autumn chrysanthemums, with natural postures and outstretched branches and leaves. The interplay of ink shades conveys both strength and softness, vividly bringing forth the noble purity and resilience of the chrysanthemums. The vast blank spaces create an ethereal and serene ambiance, capturing a poetic sense of detachment from worldly concerns. The composition is spacious and uncluttered, with free-flowing lines and distinct layers of flowers and leaves. The delicate ink application exudes a tranquil and elegant beauty. The inscription “Memories of Nanshan” not only sets the emotional tone of the painting but also invites viewers to resonate with the aspirations of ancient scholars—escaping the noise of the mundane world, finding solace in nature, and cultivating inner peace. This work, with its simplicity and depth, achieves a harmonious interplay between text and image. It is not merely a depiction of objects but also an expression of the artist’s inner world, reflecting a deep longing for the refined elegance of antiquity and the poetic integration of art and spirit.