Since the 1990s, with western capital flooding into China, the contemporary Chinese art has begun to embrace a global vision. At the same time, the inherent spirit and the logic of the art were intentionally misinterpreted, thus gradually eroding the core of art featuring acuteness, critical thinking and independence. In this context, it is pressing and necessary to review the traditions and classics. Leng believes that if the contemporary Chinese art wants to realize its true value, it should be connected with traditional Chinese paintings through which art can enjoys vigor and vitality.

Portrait of Xiao Jiang, one of the representatives taking more than one year to complete, stands as exactly Leng’s tribute to the classical period. Xiao Jiang, the model in the painting, wears a green sweater with her chin slightly tucked in. Her eyes, thanks to a painting technique called “sfumato”, present a thoughtful and ineffable expression. In addition, her bushy black hair was outlined with incredibly detailed lines, which makes her rosy face look sweet, innocent and delicate. Through extraordinary use of light and shadow, the skin of Xiao Jiang glows with a warm luster, especially her hands which exudes a soft and warm tone. Leng is so meticulous in portraying the character that even the pills on the sweater are depicted. On top of that, the arms indistinctly revealed between the seams of the sweater exhibit her smooth and silky skin. Xiao Jiang is placed in the black background as if she is under a beam of spotlight. This atmospheric technique highlights the figure, conveying a sense of timeless beauty.

(Edited by Li Hanning & Yang Zhige, 2021)