Perfect is Boring: Huang Yongyu: Art and My Feelings 2
- Kenny Isibor
- May 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1, 2024
“I believe that we ordinary people should always strive our best to do our best in our work, even if the results may not always be perfect. The most important thing is that we put in our best effort.”- Huang Yongyu
As a recovering perfectionist, these words from Huang Yongyu struck home for me. Because of my fear of doing something wrong, I would often stop myself from trying new artistic ventures, because I was afraid of how they’d be received. Naturally, the first time I’d try something it would fail–which is to be expected. But instead of using this as information to make my work better, I would weaponize my failures against myself and give up.
Through looking at Huang Yongyu’s art and interviews, I learned, there is no such thing as failure. As long as I tried my best, then I did it right the first time. His adherence to the principle of “just trying your best”, allowed him to create many exuberant drawings, illustrations, sculptures, poems, prints, and stamps.
Not many artists dabble in as many creative pursuits as Chinese contemporary artist, Huang Yongyu, but his open heart and energy allowed him to always look at life and art with willful optimism. I don’t think Huang Yongyu was afraid of criticism when it came to art, instead, I believe he just wanted to express a feeling with as many different mediums as he could–and because of that passion and curiosity, many beautiful works were made manifest.
Initially, I was just drawn in by these particular paintings, but after researching the life and personal philosophy of the artist, I was deeply moved by his story. His life was not an easy one, and he experienced several near-death experiences, political turmoil, and widespread audience criticism. Yet he still found his way back to his desk every day and made something new. His passion, liveliness, and purity can be felt in his work and is transmitted to the observer with deceptively simple yet powerful creations.
Lotus, 1980
In a deep chasm surrounded by sage-colored stars, a red lotus sits in a grassy field, accompanied by a matching red dragonfly hovering near its petals. The Lotus’ scarlet petals unfold gracefully in the darkness, and paint the night in its brilliant crimson glow.
In this abstract expressionistic painting, Huang Yongyu depicts the usually “pure” white or fairy pink lotus in a deep red. The vibrancy of the lotus penetrates the night sky and awakens the fiery nature of the usually docile flower.
To me, this painting depicts the heart of the lotus. To be able to push through pounds of sludge, and sprout into a restful flower sitting serenely atop a lily pad, is not for the weak-willed. It takes an indomitable amount of personal will to survive a swamp and come out serene in the end. This painting reminds me never to underestimate a delicate-looking flower-– because it defeated all odds just so it could bloom
Lotus and Herons, 1984
In a coy everglade amongst the river reeds, two glimmering white herons rest on the water. The birds, peaceful and patient in their disposition, wait dutifully for a worm to break the surface of the glade.
Typically, herons are depicted in a “refined” and “elegant” way, with sprawling landscapes painted gracefully on paper scrolls. But, Huang Yongyu subverts that by using rough paint strokes and blurry mixes of orange, yellow, white, and blue. He trades in traditional landscape art for a blurry watercolor background, smeared with black paint. Huang Yongyu’s expressionistic rendition of the herons bears an almost eerie similarity to graffiti in its freedom and texture.
I picked this painting because it made me nostalgic for my morning walks along the lake where I used to live. This small manmade lake framed by trees curving inwards, was loved by all kinds of ducks, alligators, lizards, birds, egrets, and herons. Every morning during my walk, a large blue heron and white egret would fly slowly over the water. I would watch them soar across the sky, then peer at their reflection in the water as they made their way. Looking at egrets and herons always reminds me to be patient, because no matter how long the wait, a worm will always come.
Figure, 1981
A demure palace woman carries an overflowing basket of lush pink flowers, as the wind carries the ribbons of her dress across the afternoon sky. She smiles in delight as she admires their beauty, blissfully unaware that someone is gazing at her with those same eyes.
This post-impressionistic painting carries a lively abandon in the fluid movement of her gown and the ribbons on her dress. Huang Yongyu creates a romantic atmosphere through the soft and feminine color choices and even the expression the woman wears as she walks through the palace.
I picked this painting because a smile spread across my lips as soon as I saw the flowers in her hands. The feeling of this picture invigorates me and makes me wonder what she’s thinking and where she’s going. I wonder if she’s a princess who’s going to make a flower arrangement or a queen delivering flowers to her lover's quarters. I’m intrigued by her and want to unwrap the mystery of where she's going, how she feels, and why she’s so content. This picture is also captivating because it carries the energy of someone looking at a person they’ve fallen in love with from afar—the feeling of wanting to be near that person, but just being content with watching.
Conclusion
Huang Yongyu’s work inspires me not to take myself so seriously when making things, but to instead enjoy the process. Because I’m human the art I create will have mistakes, flow issues, or even repetition of words and ideas. But, that’s the point.
The point isn’t to make something pristine and lacking imperfection but instead, to tap into my authentic voice. Though I still struggle with this, looking at artists like Huang Yongyu gives me hope that eventually I’ll be able to let go of these self-limiting beliefs, and make some dope shit. And for that, I thank him.
Citations
"You cannot be successful if you're scared of failure"
-Jeff Bezos
Wise words! Failure is just the process for improvement. Once you over come that fear. Everything is possible.
-Ash