Modern artist captures lives of nation's Muslims

"His innovative rendering of Muslim people and their life in a somewhat traditional medium carries a strong mysterious and surrealistic flavor."

Luo has developed a unique way of creating multi-layered colors and imagery on a single xylographic block.

The engraving and coloring process proves to be not only time-consuming but also physically and intellectually challenging. Luo often has to sweat alone in the studio for long hours. But Luo says he enjoys the time of loneliness.

"It is almost like an arduous drill for a spiritual practitioner," says art critic and Fine Art magazine chief editor Shang Hui. "But the seemingly boring process yields artwork that is spontaneous and unpredictably charming."

Over the past 20 years or so, Luo has staged several solo shows in China and abroad. More than 60 of his xylographic works have been displayed in collections of prestigious museums in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore and South Korea.

His artwork has also been sought after at auctions. In 2010, his signature work titled Beautiful autumn fetched 58,000 yuan at China Guardian (Guangzhou) Autumn Sales.

Luo's artistic language is very personal and easily recognizable, says Shang. "His artworks always give the viewer a powerful sense of spiritual tranquility and timelessness."

Luo has taken a leading role in the protection of the intellectual property rights of the exhibition, publication, collection, circulation and utilization of the xylographic prints.

As the deputy chairman of Ningxia's painters association, he is committed to raising awareness of IPR and guarding the interests of artists in the autonomous region.