For the Love of Art

Holistic Benefits

Talking to the artists about what this sort of life entails, you get a strong sense of the holistic benefits – physical, mental, and artistic development. “I really got the chance to think about myself,” says Li Ke, reflecting on the quiet isolation of the commune. “You have no choice. This place puts you in this situation.” Despite being out in the middle of nowhere, there are plenty of opportunities to share ideas and explore different backgrounds and approaches through constant contact with the other resident artists. Maria, a painter and one of the few overseas residents, came here from Spain to live among Chinese artists and explore a new culture. She tries to find a connection with China through her work and involvement with the other artists. This exchange is vital to everyone who lives here, provoking a new artistic response.

“I meet the other artists every day,” Li Ke explains. “I know their characters, so I find the artists who can respond to me.” This collaboration is exactly what the commune encourages. Painters, writers, poets, and musicians respond to each other’s work and find inspiration for new creations. Many of the works in the exhibition are the product of a shared idea or a communal experience. Maria points out a pair of paintings on the back wall. A dimly lit scene of people crowding close together, one figure with raised arms, as if in worship. “That was done after one of our wild parties,” she says, smiling.

The artists habitually go for a walk together after dinner, so after the excitement of the exhibition opening and a small party to celebrate, we take our drinks out with us for a stroll. Next door is Zhang Yimou’s bizarre “folly,” a strange wooden pyramid structure set in fengshui gardens. The watchman allows us to take a brief look around before we take the path through the orchards, under the old railway bridge built by the Japanese nearly a hundred years ago. The heavy scent of lilacs and peaches drifts on the breeze. Although the air is polluted that day, the fragrance of blossom is almost intoxicating. The resident poet names all the trees as we walk, and the others caper arm in arm, laughing and talking. It is an idyllic scene.

As regards building a Utopia, these artists are doing a pretty good job; but art, as Cheng Xiaobei points out, is not for everyone. Or, more specifically, the artistic life – a quiet, contemplative existence – is not suited to everyone. One of the aims of Shangyuan is to provide a “genuine artists’ life experience” – one where artists can immerse themselves completely in their work, but also commune with others in a natural environment. The ancient poets I feel sure would have agreed that it is the perfect setting for creativity. And for those willing to mix a little pain with their pleasure, the rewards are boundless.