In Yulong’s watercolor floral and ceramic works, he was deeply influenced by Robert Mapplethorpe’s floral photography. Mapplethorpe’s unique ability to capture the form and detail of flowers, especially in his high-contrast black-and-white images, highlights the delicate lines and contours of the flowers while conveying a sense of mystery and solemnity. Inspired by this style, he sought to achieve a similar precision in his own work, particularly through delicate handling of light, shadow, and texture. 

His aim is to explore the fragility and enduring beauty of flowers, creating a balance between simplicity and depth that resonates with Mapplethorpe’s powerful and intricate visual language.