Untamable Mountain


The phrase “The ocean embraces all rivers, demonstrating greatness through tolerance. The cliff rises sheer and unyielding, achieving strength through detachment” comes from Lin Zexu’s couplet in the Qing Dynasty. It symbolizes the ocean's vastness due to its inclusiveness and the cliff's steadfastness through its resistance to worldly desires. Similarly, individuals must cultivate resilience like nature, continuously refining their character. As Guo Ruoxu wrote in the Northern Song Dynasty: “When a person’s character is noble, their spirit will naturally be elevated, and their art will come to life.” This unity of character and artistry has shaped Chinese art for generations.

Chung Chen Sun’s Untamable Mountain embodies introspection and strength. The towering cliffs dominate the composition, their immense presence reinforced by layered ink that adds depth and weight. The painting evokes the grandeur of Fan Kuan’s Travelers Among Mountains and Streams, with meticulous brushwork capturing vitality in the foreground and broad strokes illustrating the vast skies and seas. A radiant red sun unifies the scene, symbolizing the harmony of mountains and rivers.

Through powerful brushwork and profound contemplation, Untamable Mountain reflects both Chung Chen Sun’s admiration for nature’s majesty and his steadfast spirit.