Standing Still is a masterpiece created by Chung Chen Sun at the remarkable age of 80, inspired by a sudden burst of creativity. The painting depicts towering, resilient trees that seem to narrate the story of time itself. The trees are rendered with forceful lines and rich ink textures, using bold and textured brushstrokes to bring the trees' physicality and vitality to life. Chung Chen Sun's strokes move freely across the paper, demonstrating both the fluidity of ink and the precision required to capture the trees' weathered surfaces. This interplay draws viewers into a deep reflection on history and the cultural memories tied to nature.

In terms of composition, the artist showcases exceptional spatial control by centering the trees as the focal point. The surrounding negative space amplifies the visual impact of the subject while imbuing the painting with a sense of timelessness, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries. Additionally, subtle touches of pale color are applied to certain parts of the trees, resembling sparks of life within the narrative of history. These highlights not only celebrate the trees' vitality but also mark an innovative approach to incorporating color in traditional ink painting.

The inspiration for this work may stem from the resilient Populus euphratica, a tree native to regions like Baikouquan and Urho in Karamay, Xinjiang. Local people often refer to these trees as “Three-Thousand-Year Trees”: “a thousand years to live, a thousand years to stand after death, and a thousand years to remain unrotted.” Comparable to the ginkgo tree, often called a "living fossil," the Populus euphratica has existed for over 60 million years. It thrives in harsh desert environments, with roots that can extend over 50 meters deep to access water, exhibiting resistance to cold, drought, salinity, and wind erosion. In the painting, Chung Chen Sun inscribed the words, “千年不倒，育成化石，万古留芳” (A thousand years standing, fossilized into eternity, with a legacy forever cherished), directly describing the tree's qualities while revealing its cultural and symbolic significance.

Overall, Standing Still is a stunning blend of technical mastery and profound cultural meaning. It is an ode to the indomitable spirit of life and its resistance to the erosion of time. Through his distinctive use of ink and color, the artist invites viewers into a transcendental artistic realm, prompting admiration for the resilience of all living things and encouraging a heartfelt dialogue between humanity and nature.