Bendi Stories: Painting Huangshan with Mao Yinfu

We are excited to present our newest episode of our Bendi Stories series, where we journeyed to Huangshan, Anhui to meet a renowned painter, Mao Yinfu. 

Beyond the glitz of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, beyond the allure of traditional Chinese architecture and breathtaking landscapes, lies a rich fabric of human narratives. Bendi 本地, meaning "local" in Chinese, inspired the creation of Bendi Stories, our video series exploring the soul of China through the lens of its people, their untold stories, aspirations, challenges, and everyday lives, offering a glimpse into the authentic human experiences that define our China, the real China.

In the southern reaches of Anhui Province, the towering granite spires of Huangshan have long inspired artists, poets, and travelers alike. For artist Mao Yinfu, however, Huangshan is more than just a source of inspiration, it is the heart of his artistic vision. “The landscape is my teacher, and I am its friend,” Mao reflects, expressing his deep connection to the region that has shaped both his life and art. 

To Mao, the Huangshan mountain range is not merely a natural wonder; it is a place where the cultural heritage of Huizhou is deeply intertwined with the landscape. The picturesque villages of Huizhou, with their traditional architecture and distinctive matouqiang horse-head walls, possess a charm that is often overshadowed by Huangshan’s grandeur. Yet, through his art, Mao brings these cultural elements to the forefront. He carefully integrates Huizhou’s beautiful architectural features into his landscapes, highlighting the profound connection between the region’s history and its natural beauty. 

The picturesque villages of Huizhou

Mao’s art is rooted in traditional Chinese ink painting, a medium known for its simplicity and precision. He believes that “a good ink painting doesn’t need color,” emphasizing that the purity of ink can capture the essence of a scene without the need for additional hues. While he acknowledges that color might sometimes enhance a painting’s richness, Mao contends that it can often disturb the delicate balance of the artwork. This minimalist approach allows him to focus on the austere splendor of Huangshan, concentrating on the interplay of light, shadow, and form. 

Mao Yinfu painting Huangshan’s majestic landscapes with ink.

Often painting directly from life, Mao can be found on the misty mountain trails immersing himself in the landscape, capturing not just the visual details of Huangshan, but its very essence. Through his work, Mao Yinfu steadfastly preserves and celebrates both the enduring majesty of Huangshan and the cultural legacy of Huizhou, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the connection between the natural world and the history that defines it. 

By Gabrielle Keepfer