Up the River During Qingming is a masterpiece of genre painting, with many replications done over the centuries. This version, completed in 1736, the first year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, was the collaborative effort of five Qing court artists. The scroll can be divided into several major parts, including the rustic setting at the beginning, arched bridge and market, city wall and surroundings, Pine and Bamboo Hall, and Lake Jinming. In addition to the bustling figures and packed shops, there are also untrammeled literati garden settings and a magnificent imperial garden, creating for a fascinating and visually pleasing atmosphere that makes this painting a microcosm of life in China at the time.
This installation vividly animates Up the River During Qingming and uses the latest technology and high-resolution projectors to seamlessly unfold the long scroll painting on the wall, inviting audience members to experience the contextual meaning of the Chinese painting scroll and to immerse in the vibrant world along the ancient riverside.
Source: National Palace Museum of Taiwan
The film was honored at The 46th WorldFest Independent and International Film Festival in Houston, U.S.A.
Gold Medal in the Film and Video category