by Lu Youyi

Indian artist Amey Sali wears a floral shirt with fluorescent colors featuring characters from "Journey to the West" while playing Sichuan dialect rap music by a well-known local group.

Surrounded by fluorescent pandas and Sanxingdui artworks in his studio, Sali uses a writing brush to meticulously copy "Song of the Bright Moon," written by renowned poet Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Sali and a Chinese bamboo design artist have visited the Daoming Bamboo Craft Village in Chongzhou of Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, to learn about the intangible cultural heritage of Daoming bamboo weaving. Following their learning, they crafted a fluorescent bamboo bicycle.

"Fluorescent paints have only five colors, and I chose yellow, pink, and purple to create bamboo leaf patterns on the bicycle frame, highlighting the youthfulness and vitality of university students," he said. The 31st International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games has just concluded in Chengdu.

"However, I intentionally exposed a portion of the bamboo to showcase the traditional and unique Chinese materials while also promoting the concept of eco-friendliness," Sali said.

During his time in Chongzhou, Sali learned that bamboo holds the same significance for China as elephants do for India, and the use of bamboo for crafting transportation has a long history.

Sali was born in Mumbai, India, and knew he wanted to become an artist from age six. During his upbringing, he was deeply fascinated by Chinese movies and cuisine and even earned the nickname "Chinese" from his peers.

After graduating from university with a degree in fine arts, he came to China and started working in fluorescent art design. After traveling to various places, including Shanghai and Jiangsu, he settled in Chengdu in 2013 and has lived there since.

Fluorescent art involves creating artwork with ultraviolet lights and fluorescent paints, producing distinctive fluorescent effects that evoke a sense of mystery and fantasy.

Sali stated that his artistic philosophy revolves around self-expression, with Chinese culture and art becoming an inseparable part of his life. Each day in his life represents a new chapter of his journey. "Chengdu is a laid-back city, just like my vibe, and that's why I love it here," he said.

Combining Chinese culture with fluorescent art is Sali's unique approach, through which the reserved and introverted nature of Chinese culture collides with the bold and expressive style of fluorescent art under his hands, creating artistic tension.

Sali reshapes elements such as blue-and-white porcelain, traditional Chinese architecture, and dragons in a series of Chinese character-reconstruction works. Each Chinese character is endowed with a richer cultural significance, further complemented by the incorporation of classical poetry. The combination of artwork and text enhances each other's beauty and meaning.

"The World University Games has allowed young people from all over the world to experience the openness and inclusivity of Chengdu," said Sali, depicting Chengdu from a unique perspective that bridges fashion and traditional Chinese culture.