This collection of paintings are based on the novels written by one of the most influential Chinese-language novelists, Jin Yong. He is widely recognized as the finest Chinese wuxia (“martial art and chivalry”) writer in the literary world and is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards such as the OBE award, the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur from the French government. It was a rare opportunity to have been granted permission by Jin Yong to create a collection of paintings based on his works.

There are a total of 40 paintings in the collection. They are the depictions of different dramatic scenes from twelve of Jin Yong’s novels. Each painting is a study of his fictional world of martial arts and various famous characters. The collection, (ranging from 2’ X 2’ to 12’ X 5’ in size), pieces together the rich elements of the kung fu, sword fighting, romance, history, and landscapes of Jin Yong’s novels. It is also an attempt to break through the conventional thematic approach in the genre of Chinese painting. The works are focused on expressing the complexity of emotions and psychological aspects of the characters and at the same time exploring the possibilities of traditional Chinese ink and brush techniques. One can say that it is a Western psychological approach to Eastern subject matter. They are also works that reflect my journey from being a cartoonist and illustrator in popular culture to my pursuit of a traditional Chinese art form.

Paintings inspired by Jin Yong's novels.