Facing the reality is an action that involves braveness and wisdom.

There are truth, lies, and illusions in this world. Sometimes a placid exterior hides passionate waves and sometimes a truth holds endless interpretations. We pursue the truth with every effort, yet only fall into our illusions again and again. Thus, we have to fabricate the so-called truth with lies; whether it is subjective, or objective.

In today’s China, one faces not only the footprint and conundrum left by history and tradition, but the quest to one's faith: does one still have faith, and if one does, what is it? Everyone has likely encountered these questions, especially artists, whose choice and judgment are the most critical to their art.

Shu Tang is an artist who chooses to face the reality. In his eyes, the reality is the most important, if not the most beautiful. He portrays the nature realistically in his work, which reflects his questions, emotions, and faith. He is good at capturing the nature: a bamboo forest, a bouquet of peach blossom, and a peaceful pond, all hides enormous energy, which touches the audience the most. The series of Reflection is a piece of unique work, in which he rendered a real illusion, the reflection in water, using abstract brush strokes. Peach Blossom, Bamboo Forest, and Leaves are painted with bright tunes and the finest details, as if they mirrored the beautiful side of the reality Tang sees through his eyes. His most recent work, Travel Box, was completed after a long trip he just had. As he noted in his journal, as an individual human being, our body is not different than a travel box, which contains our soul, transfers it from one place to another, and takes care of it. It fulfills our lust and request, until it is worn, and abandoned. When that day comes, can our soul moves to a new travel box? Tang’s quest is the same problem that the most of us are asking, which carries our frustration about the truth and faith. Yet we believe, as long as we face the reality and stick to our faith, we may reach the truth of our life some day.

Image: © Tang Shu, Aroundspace Gallery