Seamus
Berkeley

There was a parade going on in this ancient city of Pingyao in central China. Of course I was fascinated to see this local event in a country that was entirely new to me. The streets were packed with locals and visitors, who all seemed to be as equally attentive as I was. Most of the people watching were in contemporary attire—t-shirts, sneakers and jeans—as I was, so we all somewhat blended into the crowd. There was something different with this fellow though: he was wearing a more traditional outfit that appeared to be in keeping with the traditional tone of the parade. What was even more interesting to me though was his gaze: his focus was so intense that he really stood out from the crowd. He appeared to be so transfixed I wondered if he was intentionally posing for the camera!

Looking Pingyao, oil on canvas, 16.5″ x 12″
Original oil painting by Seamus Berkeley