Although not intentional, Yu Jiantao's paintings tend to express solitude and melancholy, a reflection of his introverted personality and solitary life. Yu followed his parents into the countryside in 1969, where they were forced to labor and live a rural life until 1978, when the family returned to their home city. This period of simple pastoral life left Yu with unforgettable memories and inspired him to take up a painting brush. As a self-taught artist, Yu has pursued his own path persistently and fruitfully.
Yu Jiantao's works reflect a style of his own and a good mastery of painting skills. He applies realistic techniques of traditional Chinese painting in his watercolors that permeate his understanding and interpretation of art, aesthetics and life. His works add a fresh touch to the contemporary realistic watercolor school.
Yu recognizes the true meaning of life in his works and invests both his soul and love in perceiving and comprehending the process. He perceives the world quietly and softly -- a building, a tree, a wrecked ship or a weathered rock. These images tell of old days of sunshine and darkness. They are like old men, with years of life's sorrows and joy behind their calmness and quietude. These images build up the basis of Yu's works and bring him continuing inspiration.
Having been taken out of the bustle of city life into the countryside, Yu Jiantao willingly repeats this transition and seeks the truth of nature in the contrast it creates.
(China Today July 6, 2004)
