And now a word from the Governor of Far West

Interview with Gao Kegong

by

Manny Mandizha 4/23/1285

                  Gao Kegong is a wealthy government official who is just as famous for his skills as an artist as he is a diplomat. Here he is interviewed with five questions which really explain his choices and ideas.

How is your art influenced? You are Yuan but you have many friends and Southern Song influences.

         My art is influenced by both dynasties. The Song were sedentary yet extremely meaningful in their art, yet the Yuan were robust and colorful. I had to incorporate both cultures into my artwork. It is colorful yet calm and meaningful in a silent way.

Who mentored art unto you?

         My good friend and former Song government councilmen, Zhao Mengfu taught me everything I know. I loved art but my father was a great political figure. What do I do? Of course extremely spiritual Mengfu told me to follow my heart. I did. I made art and studied hard to become heir to the “throne” and the legacy my father left behind.

You detest the current imperialism, why?

         Detest, is a strong word. I just disagree with the violent way rulers come into power and the way they enforce their rule. It is brutal on the people. Especially, the poor, who are defenseless and often get killed if the power struggles become violent or physical. My father told me I am lucky to be wealthy. I shouldn’t abuse it.

Now to your painting, which is your most meaningful work?

         I have made many works it is hard to tell yet all of them were anti imperialist. Again, I only disagree with imperialism because the poor are suffering. My greatest works though I feel are my mountain paintings, they are symbolic of nature and life being unified and bigger than all adversity.

You are Yuan, do you feel that your dynasty owning a massive landmass and having dominated in hundreds of wars is becoming power hungry and tyrannical?

         No, power is power. My people wish not to own the whole world but change it into a place of solidarity and to also have one solid system we can all rely on. I don’t agree with the methods of “change”  such as ruthless slaughter yet it will end well soon.....hopefully.