CROSSROADS (2016) Duration: 16’10”. Medium: oil paintings on paper, digital animation, soundtrack.
THE CROSSROADS is a three-part animated series. Aesthetically, the series mixes the imagery of classical painting with socialist propaganda art, while its narrative fuses the idioms of Greek mythology with that of traditional Chinese ghost tales. The piece offers insight into many facets of China’s political and social condition, shedding light on the country’s decades-long struggle between westernization and insulation. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
Chapter I. The Riddle (screenshot) Chapter I. The Riddle (screenshot)Chapter II. The Golden Touch (screenshot)Chapter II. The Golden Touch (screenshot)Chapter III. The Judgement (screenshot)Chapter III. The Judgement (screenshot)Chapter III. The Judgement (screenshot)Chapter III. The Judgement (screenshot)
EIGHT IMMORTALS (2016) Duration: 6’00”. Medium: oil painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack
In the film EIGHT IMMORTALS, eight well-known figures from Chinese history and folklore play the roles of the eponymous characters. Each of these individuals is presented in a syncretic setting; their traditional narratives play out against the backdrop of the Three Gorges Dam construction project. Such a juxtaposition highlights the irreparable damage that the massive project had brought about. The environment, cultural heritage, and the lives of locals are all numbered among the victims of the undertaking. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – Lady White Snake (screenshot)THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – The Mad Drummer (screenshot)THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – The Three Gorges (screenshot)THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – Three Gorges (screenshot)THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – The Crane (screenshot)
THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – The Dam (screenshot)
THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – Melody of Departure (screenshot)
THE EIGHT IMMORTALS – Floating (screenshot)
GATE OF HEAVENLY PEACE (2015) Duration: 3’40”. Mediums: oil painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack.
The title GATE OF THE HEAVENLY PEACE is the literal meaning of “Tiananmen,” the name of the public square where the infamous 1989 massacre took place in Beijing. The film mixes the artists’ personal memories with symbolism from Chinese history and folklore and reveals the traumatic impact that the violent crackdown had on a whole generation. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
THE MILKY WAY (2015) Duration: 3’00”. Mediums: oil painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack.
The animated film MILKY WAY reimagines the Chinese folktale of the Weaving Maiden and Buffalo Herder to reflect the social reality of present-day China. Settings include the urban landscape of Shanghai, the fireworks ceremony at the Beijing Olympics Stadium, and the ruinous aftermath of the Sichuan Earthquake that was concurrent with the 2008 Olympic Games. Watch video excerpt here.
The Weaving Maid (screenshot)The Cowherd (screenshot)Magpie Bridge (screenshot)
THE PEONY PAVILION (2014) Duration: 4’40”. Mediums: oil painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack.
Inspired by PEONY PAVILION, a popular Chinese play written in the 16th century, the animated film visualizes contemporary issues of a multicultural society based on consumerism. Watch video excerpt here.
Below: Screenshots of Peony Pavilion
TRIPITAKA (2013) Duration: 4’27”. Mediums: oil painting on paper, digital animation
Inspired by Chinese classic Journey to the West, a fictionalized account of the legendary pilgrimage of Buddhist monk Tripitaka and his three disciples-the Monkey King, Pigsy and Sandy-traveling to India to obtain sacred texts, the work metaphorically depicts ordeals of individuals journeying towards enlightenment. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
Below: Screenshots of Tripitaka
THEBUTTERFLY LOVERS (2012) Duration: 4’30”. Mediums: oil painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack
Reinterpreting a popular east Asian folktale, THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS reflects on Asian diaspora as well as new immigrants’ cultural identity and dilemma. Watch video excerpt here.
Below: Screenshots of The Butterfly Lovers
FORBIDDEN CITY Duration: 5’08”. Medium: digital animation, soundtrack
Entitled FORBIDDEN CITY, the video melds digital animation with traditional Chinese paper cuts. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
Below: an image sequence of Forbidden City
PEONY (2009 -2010) Duration: 2’00”. Medium: digital animation, soundtrack
Inspired by “Peony and Chinese Bulbul,” a popular theme of Chinese ink painting that symbolizes prosperity, wealth and longevity, PEONY creates a very different atmosphere by blending motion, sound, space and imagery. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
Below: a screenshot of Peony
Peony. Animation still Lily Honglei Art Studio
The Moon (2012-2013) Duration: 8’00”. Medium: ink painting on paper, digital animation, soundtrack
By setting original ink painting works in motion, MOON presents a natural phenomenon in a manner that unveils an introspective human world – an approach is profoundly inspired by traditional eastern poetry and art. A reflection upon humanity, conflict, loss, and hope is drawn through space and time as a dreamscape of inner emotions merged with the natural world. Visit Project Page for more info or watch the video.
