As hype around the Monkey King from "Journey to the West" continues to trend around the world, thanks in part to the hit video game "Black Myth: Wukong," a hearing-impaired painter continues to create interpretations of the beloved character that display distinct creativity. 

Chen Jianzhou has been painting the Monkey King for over a decade. His work blends traditional Chinese culture with modern artistic expressions, earning him recognition on platforms like Artand, one of China's premier online art communities.

For Chen, the Monkey King is more than a cultural icon; he is a source of personal strength and inspiration. Growing up in the late 1980s, Chen was deeply influenced by the TV adaptation of "Journey to the West." "The image of the Monkey King has always been in my mind," he said, "I hope I can fly freely like him, be as healthy as him and have as many transformations as him." Through his art, Chen has found a way to connect with a world that he cannot hear.

Chen's hearing loss at age three, following a high fever, isolated him from a world of sound. Despite the challenges and bullying he faced in school, he found solace in the Monkey King's adventures, drawing parallels between the character's struggles and his own.

In his creative journey, Chen also explores themes from his personal life. One of his recurring artistic themes is "The Real and the Fake Monkey Kings," a chapter from the classic novel that symbolizes the shared growth experiences of Chen and his brother, who also lost his hearing at a young age. "It's similar to when my brother and I used to fight over something when we were young," Chen explained, "yet we love each other a lot."

Chen's art, which merges traditional icons with contemporary influences, continues to captivate audiences. His work reimagines the Monkey King encountering figures like Van Gogh and Yayoi Kusama, creating a unique fusion of East and West. With a book published featuring his art and personal growth experiences, Chen aims to take his creations to a global audience. As he says, "I hope Chinese culture can be seen on the world stage."