Dr. Baozhen Maggie Luo-Hermanson 罗宝珍 has gifted the artwork Mountains beyond Mountains 山外有山 by Chinese Zen Ink and Wash Artist Moxuanzi 墨轩子(本名严家祥)to the Center for the Study of Contemporary China (CSCC) as she concludes her co-directorship between May 2022 and December 2024. Dr. Luo-Hermanson’s key contributions include articulating the “China Center Within China” identity, establishing the research clusters, developing crucial policy infrastructure, and fostering a culture of care and belonging.
Dr. Baozhen Luo-Hermanson commissioned Moxuanzi to create this piece, inspired by the words of American educator David McCullough Jr.: “Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air, and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” The vast empty space, a hallmark of Chinese Zen ink and wash art, beautifully captures the essence of this quote.
About the Artist: Moxuanzi, of the Tujia ethnic group, was born in Jiangkou, Guizhou, at the foot of Fanjing Mountain 梵净山. A contemporary artist, he masterfully blends traditional Chinese painting with Zen Buddhist influences. Moxuanzi is the dean of the Qingquan Zen Art Academy and a contracted artist with China Central Television’s Ink and Wash Painting Academy. His work has been featured in prominent art magazines both nationally and internationally. Moxuanzi has hosted seven solo exhibitions and participated in 14 major exhibits in China and across East Asia.
The art piece is on display at the CSCC Community Space IB 3021. Members are invited to visit and enjoy the piece.
