Artist Han Juliang is fascinated by steam locomotives, engines of power. He doesn't enhance or adorn; he realistically and meticulously represents the powerful engines in scrupulous detail on canvas."For no particular reason, I have had an emotional attachment to steam locomotives ever since when I was still a little boy," says the 46-year-old artist."Apart from its overwhelming size and the primitive technological rhythm, I am especially moved by the solemn and stirring ambience radiated from a running train. For me, they stand for a masculine and heroic temperament," Han says.Chinese steam locomotives represented a high level of design and technology, he says. There were 4,714 steam locomotives of the "advanced" type produced from 1956 to 1988 by the Datong Locomotive Works."Every time I look at an abandoned 'retired' steam locomotive, I can feel a sense of them, as if a hero is lamenting the loss of his past glory," he says.Trains were once the major cargo transport in China. They still run in some provinces, such as Shanxi, Han says.Han has read extensively about steam locomotives and studied the engine technology. He often watches trains and is a member of China's Steam Locomotive Assn. He attends activities organized by locomotive manufacturers.Born in 1962 in Shanghai, Han graduated from the Oil Painting Department at Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts in Hangzhou."My life has been smooth and without obstacles or difficulties," he says. "It's said 'no pain, no gain,' but this shouldn't be a doctrine. Experience is certainly valuable but one should never suffer merely for the purpose of suffering or experience."The exhibition includes Han's sketches of the "motive power dissection," which appear to be technical drawings,opens on May 18-June 15 at Original Song Gallery, 2/F, 818 Changde Rd."I find a primitive beauty hidden in technology and science, and it feels great to combine them," says Han.He's hooked on trains: His next project is the internal combustion locomotive. "The locomotive is a never-ending inspiration of my art."