Mural brings raging waters of Yellow River to Great Hall

Chen Zui, researcher of Chinese National Academy of Arts.

The Yellow River is a unique concept and a meaningful symbol in Chinese culture. Any literature, music and painting will easily bring artistic appeals to Chinese viewers if they have similar elements. This painting is very touching and amazing due to his endeavor in combining his artistic skills, understanding of the spirit as well as perseverance and tenacity.

Wang Zhichun, researcher of Beijing Fine Art Academy.

The painting and the central hall are complementary to each other. The sense of power is an outstanding feature of the painting, which is partly caused by the contrast of color. With rich symbolic and spirit connotation, the work is a masterpiece of Wang that reflects his achievements in the past and new exploration in the future.

Zheng Gong, deputy director of Institute of Fine Arts, Chinese National Academy of Arts.

In many traditional landscape paintings, mountains are usually painted as the main focus and water serves as background or plays a subsidiary role. This painting is just on the contrary by making water as the main subject to present its power and vigor as well as independence and tolerance. I think it is very successful.

Zhao Lizhong, member of China National Academy of Painting.

There are many paintings using the Hukou waterfall to represent the Yellow River, but most have nothing else to offer besides of the waterfall's shape and appearance. Wang's work is different and it has depicted some details which leaves space for imagination.

Xia Shuoqi, then-chief editor of Art Magazine.

This Yellow River-themed painting highlights the harmony of various contrasted elements. Wang has shown the spirit and nature of things by carefully observing the subject he wants to show and then expressing its most distinct characteristics.

Cheng Zheng, professor at Xi'an Fine Art College.

Wang and I were classmates in college, and I knew his efforts to become a good painter. Now, he also shoulders many social positions such as a National People's Congress representative and the chairman of Shaanxi Provincial Association of Artists, so he is more than just being a painter, with broadened horizons and bigger goals.

Liang Jiang, vice-president of China National Art Museum.

It is a challenge for artists to create a painting for the Great Hall of the People because it must be consistent with the building's solemn and immense style.

The suitable paintings should be able to reflect the spirit of the times and also in line with the modern aesthetic sensibilities.

Wang's work captures the notion of national rejuvenation and the pursuit of the "Chinese dream" by depicting the boldness and splendor of the great Mother River.