A life of paintings and gratitude

To fulfill a longtime wish to pay back his hometown, in 2016, Jiang began building his own gallery in Pingliang. He transported boulders he collected from Beijing to Pingliang, researching and designing the architecture, and using his artworks to barter for ornamental trees.

The pieces exhibited in the gallery are all representative paintings and calligraphy works carefully selected by Jiang. He also donated three additional works to the village as a gesture of gratitude to the local people.

Cheng, who is an old friend of Jiang, says that he is most impressed by Jiang's sincerity, which is also mirrored in his paintings. This, in turn, gives his works the power to move the viewers.

"This kind of power is simple, direct and sensitive. He doesn't overpolish his works or seek to impress. The artistry is accumulated naturally, bit by bit, year after year," Cheng says.

"Everyone faces trials and tribulations in life, but artists can transform these difficulties into content and resources for their creations. Jiang recorded his journey with his paintings and the narration of his life stories provides a testimony, which makes this book collection a valuable account of his life."