With a scent of beauty and danger, the leopard is a sensual and elegant creature. Quietly carrying a personality that can be two different extremes, the leopard has a wild charm that I find fascinating.

Chinese philosopher, Zhuangzi’s “Carefree Excursion” begins with a legend of the “Kun Peng”, and unfolds into a grandiose idea of the universe. “Carefree Excursion” features mythical beasts like the Kun (a giant fish) and the Peng (a giant bird), as well as ordinary creatures like cicadas and turtle doves. From the perspective of Zhuangzi's “Qiwulun” (Equality of Things), it would not have been surprising if a leopard were to appear. Since ancient times, the leopard has been the subject of interest in literature, as exemplified by the Chinese proverb “wise men are quick to adapt like a leopard”.

But I am in fact not particular about leopards, but rather I paint them because I do not want to be particular. In any case, an artist’s dream is to let their hearts play to their desires in this infinite universe. I think one should simply paint whatever one feels or wants to express, but in reality, artists want to be more imaginative. An artwork may become more interesting with creative thinking, but if you put too much contrivance into it, you realize that it was better to have put no contrivance at all. As Zhuangzi’s “Carefree Excursion” puts it, “One must go with the way of the universe, become one with nature that unifies all things. Enjoy a carefree life without worries or impediments, and experience a free and happy mind”.

Let us learn from leopards, become a leopard, and freely explore an unimaginable world together with leopards. Painting leopards is a mysterious experience that frees your mind.

Leopards are good indeed.