| With his native land falling into alien hands, Hongren (1610-1664) became a monk when he was 38. He vented his nostalgia for his lost homeland in painting, calligraphy and writing. The "Scarlet Lodges" in this picture were painted when the artist, then 46, was on a visit to Mount Huang. The scantily textured motifs in light colour are primarily geometric and angular in form. The man-made trail, temple and boat contrast markedly with an absolute absence of men, inviting the viewer to share the sheer sense of solitude and tranquility that has claimed the heart and soul of the painter in seclusion. |
