Silent Guardians: Remarkable Juniper Tree Paintings
Artist Lee Tsung-jen draws inspiration from ancient juniper trees that thrive in unforgiving conditions, capturing the stories etched into every twist and gnarl
- Text by Cherry Chen
- Paintings by Lee Tsung-Jen
Imagine standing 4,000 metres above sea level on top of Yushan (Jade Mountain) in south-central Taiwan. This is Southeast Asia’s highest peak, where winters are especially brutal: biting winds howl, snow blankets the land, and vibrant vegetation fades into a desolate landscape.
Despite these unforgiving elements, the ancient juniper trees on the mountain endure—their roots gripping the rocky terrain, growing slowly but steadfastly.
In 2021, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, artist Lee Tsung-jen found himself heartbroken and helpless as a family member also battled the virus. It was during this challenging moment that Lee stumbled upon an image by photographer Wang Congxian that showed Yushan’s resilient juniper trees rising above a sea of clouds, their twisted forms set against the backdrop of snow-covered cliffs.
after year, the tree twists its trunk to face the biting cold winds, until the tree, like a soaring dragon, carries its boundless vitality straight into the clouds.
A spark of inspiration ignited Lee, filling him with hope and setting him on the path of artistic discovery. This inspiration turned into a breathtaking collection of paintings inspired by the Yushan junipers, Sanctuary—Demeanour and Attitude, in which Lee combines traditional Chinese ink aesthetics with Western artistry.
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