An innovative art park and hotel have put Guilin firmly on the global cultural map

Text & Photography by Jillian Mitchell
Translation by Amanda Mao

Branded a fool over his decision some 13 years ago to create a large-scale art park in the ethereal landscape of Guilin, China, Rhy Chang Tsao’s pet project Yuzi, affectionately named ‘Fool’s Paradise’, now boasts more than 200 magnificently sculptured art works that dot manicured grounds like rare species of flowers.

While it may be somewhat difficult to imagine that modern art could complement a backdrop of craggy limestone peaks jutting out of a patchwork of rice and vegetable fields, Yuzi is a superb blend of conceptual creativity strongly influenced by nature.

The eclectic array of stark, eye-catching pieces is an impressive treasure chest of discovery for all those who venture through the front gates. They comprise a who’s who of the local and international sculpting scene, each piece as individual in form as the surrounding famed conical rock formations that have been inspiring artists and poets for centuries. said to have been based upon the people he has met and encountered throughout his many years, renowned taiwanese artist Ju ming’s Living World series is nestled amongst the pine forest. The enthralling mastery of Ju’s work is demonstrated in the meticulous placement of detail providing a result that explicitly captures human form and expression.

Germany’s eberhard eckerle created Strange Loops at Yuzi in 2001. his strong, enigmatic piece is a bold, twisted mass of smooth ribbons of steel that can almost be imagined as being representative of a limestone karst.

The deceptiveness of barbara Falender’s piece, Between Fire and Water, is that it appear merely to be a simple 10m ‘wave’ of granite rising from the shallows of one of the park’s several lakes. however, the smooth curves have mesmerising appeal and manage to capture the eye’s attention even from a distance. but the art doesn’t stop with the incredible sculptures. as part of the prestigious French brand relais & châteaux, homa (hotel of modern art) is located within the park grounds and seeks to provide its guests with an all-encompassing art experience.

Resident designer Huang Yi Zhe has been charged with designing, developing and overseeing the creative transition of selected areas of the hotel from start to finish. “This rôle allows me almost boundless creativity, which I see as both exciting and challenging.” His latest project, a state-of-the-art luxury spa, has been in development for the past 12 months. Huang credits nature as the main inspiration for his work at HOMA; just one example of this is his recreation of Guangxi’s terraced rice fields which dominates the spa’s downstairs space.

The attention to detail in the design and presentation of the hotel is just as painstakingly geared towards individualistic perfection as any of the art works on display, and a desire to blend it with the environment has been paramount. This is evident in the hotel’s innovative design and construction, which Huang says make it barely visible . The distinctive pyramid shapes used for the buildings owe much of their camouflage abilities to sloping grassed roofs.

Nature hasn’t been the only source of creative inspiration at Yuzi though. When it came to completing the logo for the Lotus Restaurant, Huang says, “I created it from stylised English letters, arranged in the overall shape and form of the traditional Chinese character for lotus.”

A similar insight appears to have been formed by British artist Allen Jones. Recognised as one of the men who changed the face of modern art in Britain in the ’70s, Jones has previously been quoted as saying about his Banquet sculpture, “I explore the possibility that the three dancers in silhouette against the sky are reminiscent of Chinese writing.”

Jones’ Banquet, and all the art works on display are the result of a series of sculpting symposiums as well as an active artist-in-residence programme that have been held since the park’s inception.

Despite a heavy focus on sculpture, Yuzi recently hosted its third painting symposium, which involved 12 artists on-site for three to four weeks. Influential Chinese painter Yu Youhan worked on four key pieces during his stay. When asked if the natural environment had any impact on the works completed, Yu says, “I’d had the ideas for some time; however I found my final piece almost exploded into a new style. This is something I will further explore on my return to Shanghai.”

Artist in residence A-Kan also feels he has in some way been influenced by the wonderful natural environment, however as he has only been at Yuzi for eight months he is not quite sure how or even if this will impact on his work.

Specialising in sculpture, Taiwanese A-Kan says, “My core philosophy is all about turning things upside down and seeing them differently.” When comparing the style of his work to that in the park he describes his art as growing outward rather than inward. “I feel my work is more uplifting due to the freedom and mobility that comes from being able to take my pieces into any admirer’s home”.

With such a vast collection of work on display there looks to be something here for everyone. The inherent theme of artistic creation and an aesthetic sense are visible in almost every aspect of this ‘Fool’s Paradise’ – which could be described more reasonably as an ever-evolving cultural masterpiece.

Practicalities

Transportation: Located in Dabu town approximately 30 kilometres south of Guilin, transfers from the airport, Guilin town or Yangshuo can be arranged through HOMA. Alternatively a direct minibus service departs from Guilin Railway Station every 10-15 minutes until 6pm and costs RMB5.

Accommodation: HOMA offers 49 individually styled rooms and is fully self-contained with restaurants, cafés and spa on-site. Rooms are priced from RMB2,500 to RMB8,800 (RMB8,000 to 31/12/2009).

Opening hours: The art park is open from 8.30am till 5pm for those not staying at the hotel.

Entrance fee: RMB200 per person, complimentary for HOMA guests. Guides, electric cars and bicycles are also available for hire.