By tf-lawyer.com The “Ancient Fantasy: The Shanhaijing Art and Technology Exhibition” has recently opened at the vibrant 798 Art District in Beijing, showcasing an innovative blend of art and technology. This exhibition features contemporary artists Qiu Qijing, Qiu Anxiong, and Qiu Yu, who utilize cutting-edge techniques such as sculpture, 3D printing, ink animation, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence to reinterpret the classic text “Shanhaijing.”
At the opening ceremony, Wang Chunqing, Deputy Director of the National Cultural Industry Innovation Experimental Zone in Chaoyang, Beijing, emphasized the significance of “Shanhaijing” as a treasure trove of the Chinese nation’s mythological heritage. He noted its unique imagination and creativity, stating that the collaborative efforts of Qiu Qijing, Qiu Anxiong, and Qiu Yu provide a contemporary lens through which to view this traditional culture. Their work not only celebrates the legacy of “Shanhaijing” but also offers audiences a rich cultural experience that beautifully marries tradition with modernity, as well as art with technology.
Curator Wang Boqiao described “Shanhaijing” as the wellspring of Chinese imagination. He explained that whether the eight wilderness beasts depicted are real or mythical, they represent a primitive, innocent view of life and the poetic romanticism of early Chinese ancestors. This unfettered cultural element has become part of the collective subconscious of the Chinese people, inspiring boundless imagination and serving as a cultural gene for Chinese science fiction.
Artist Qiu Qijing revealed that he has been immersed in the theme of “Shanhaijing” for twelve years, creating nearly 100 of the 469 mythical beasts detailed in the text. A centerpiece of the exhibition is his work titled “Chaos,” which connects the entire showcase. He shared that the concept began five years ago, deeply rooted in philosophical ideas about life. “It’s not just about ‘Chaos’; each mythical beast in ‘Shanhaijing’ encompasses complex themes that provide profound insights into existence, which is why I am so drawn to this text,” he remarked.
In the exhibition, Qiu Yu presents an AI-generated imagery piece called “Common Imagination,” drawing inspiration from the “Shanhaijing” text. By harnessing artificial intelligence tools, this piece transforms the original text and images into a unique visual realm that both honors “Shanhaijing” and stands apart from its original narrative.
Qiu Anxiong’s acclaimed “New Shanhaijing” series of ink animation films references these ancient myths while portraying modern civilization amid primordial chaos. This distance allows everyday phenomena often ignored by contemporary society to be reimagined as mythological material, expanding the expressive power of ink and blending it with an animation style influenced by expressionism, resulting in strange and surreal landscapes.
Additionally, visitors to the exhibition will find eight six-meter-tall beast sculptures crafted by Qiu Qijing’s studio displayed at various iconic spots throughout the 798 Art District. Guests can use a “Beast Map” to locate and photograph these “Shanhaijing” creatures around the area. By sharing their photos on social media, they can earn eight limited edition beast stamps at the Svanos space, ultimately unlocking a hidden beast.
This extraordinary exhibition will be open to the public until November 28th.
