In the remote village of Yiga, nestled deep within Sichuan’s Liangshan Yi region, celebrated painter Han Yuchen has unveiled a remarkable new series that transcends mere portraiture. Over days of work in the open mountain air, Han Yuchen has created a moving testament to the richness and resilience of Yi culture, brought vividly to life through a succession of powerful portraits.
Each canvas is more than an image — it is a story. Han Yuchen’s models, women from the Yi community, pose with an understated dignity, adorned in their ceremonial attire. Their traditional costumes, painstakingly detailed with vivid embroidery, pleated skirts, and elaborate headdresses crowned with red pom-poms or trailing braids, become central figures in his narrative. Every thread woven into their garments speaks of ancient customs: blessings, protection, strength, and a profound connection to the land.
Through the texture of oil paint and the discipline of patience, Han Yuchen offers a rare, respectful glimpse into a living heritage often unseen by the outside world. Painting under the vast skies of Liangshan, he worked not merely as an artist, but as a witness — listening to the silent dialogue between the mountains, the people, and the passage of time.
This new series, poised between realism and reverence, stands as a bridge between generations. It is not just a celebration of beauty, but a preservation of memory. In an age where tradition is increasingly under threat, Han Yuchen reminds us: some stories can only be told by those who are willing to listen deeply — and paint carefully.
