Artist frames the spirit of combating outbreak

In a spectacular mountainous region, a towering peak looks like a giant clenched fist, giving the impression of a powerful force pointing into the sky.

This is the painting Fighting! Wuhan created by artist Shu Yong to encourage Chinese people to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

"The fist symbolizes courage, determination, firmness and solidarity. It means people are cooperating in the fight against the epidemic. Holding the fist high also means we swear to conquer the virus. It shows our confidence," says Shu.

The 46-year-old contemporary artist has been producing work, in several mediums, for more than two decades. His creations include oil paintings, sculptures, photography and performance art.

His representative sculpture Golden Bridge on Silk Road based on the broad narrative of the Belt and Road Initiative has been exhibited at many international events, including the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2017, and Expo 2017 Astana in Kazakhstan.

According to Jiang Yingchun, general manager of Poly Culture, "Shu's works usually combine elements of China's political, economic, social and media landscape, and vividly reflect the development process of the country."

The painting is one of a series Shu is creating to pay tribute to those who have made great contributions to fighting against the disease, especially those who work on the front line, like doctors and nurses.

Since Jan 26, Shu has spent a dozen hours every day searching for inspiration in changes to the epidemic situation and creating a painting, he says. His paintings record touching stories and his own thoughts during the epidemic period.

He also produced a video about his drawing process, promotes the paintings and videos online and plans to donate the paintings to the heroes of the fight in the future. He says he is determined to create them until the end of the epidemic.

Since the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern over the outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in China, our country has met great difficulties, Shu says. "But, however difficult the situation is, some people stand out, fight on the front line and protect all others. The ordinary heroes give me the passion and inspiration to create the series."

The artist has mixed feelings when creating the works. "My feelings fluctuate with the changes of the epidemic situation. Sometimes I feel anxious, heavy and worried, but other times I feel full of power and confidence."

All of the pieces are Chinese landscape paintings, which are drawn only in black and white, and mountains can be seen in most of the paintings, which symbolize power and faith.

Shu says the paintings show his development of understanding the epidemic situation. "Although this epidemic has had a disastrous influence, it enables us to realize the power of solidarity, courage, diligence in our country and look forward to a better future. Infinite beauty can only be seen at the perilous peak."