Dance interpretation of creation process behind famous painting

In “Poetic Dance: The Journey of A Legendary Landscape Painting,” I played Wang Ximeng, the painter of the Northern Song Dynasty who left behind the sole surviving chef-d’oeuvre – “A Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers” – before vanishing into the mists of history. Astonishingly, Wang completed this monumental work at the age of 18. The nearly 12-meter-long scroll was over 50 centimeters wide, dazzling with vibrant, resplendent hues. From a distance, the painting presents a majestic, sweeping expanse; up close, it reveals delicate, lifelike details rendered with exquisite precision. Without any seal or signature on the painting, it was only through Cai Jing’s inscription that people later learned this extraordinary work was created by the young prodigy. Afterward, though, Wang faded entirely from historical records, leaving only a few sparse mentions of his existence. To me, Wang was undoubtedly a legendary figure, an enigmatic genius of his time.

Photo of Zhang Han, who portrays Wang Ximeng in the dance production "Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting", during an exclusive interview with Guangming Online.

Historical accounts suggest that Wang may have been even younger than 18 when he started creating the masterpiece. Perhaps only a little over 17. Remarkably, he completed this grand piece in under half a year, with an extraordinary level of detail that vividly captures the vibe of Song-era life. He depicted scenes of farmers working diligently in the fields, mules carrying loads, and even boats, houses, and bridges, all with astonishing accuracy. Such meticulous portrayal not only reflects his keen powers of observation, but also his unparalleled artistic talent.

While “A Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers” has become a world-renowned treasure and a quintessential example of cyan-green landscape painting, Wang’s journey of creation was fraught with challenges. According to the inscription on the scroll, Wang presented his work to Emperor Huizong multiple times, only to be met with repeated rejection, as the emperor believed he could do even better – Even a prodigy like Wang faced moments of doubt and denial. Yet, instead of succumbing to disappointment, he strengthened his resolve, determined to prove himself. In this unwavering spirit, he completed the breathtaking work in less than half a year.

In ancient times, a painter’s working conditions were grueling. There was no modern lighting, no heating, no air conditioning – only dim oil lamps and the cold of winter. Wang used exceptionally thin brushes, and in the frigid winter months, his fingers must have been stiff from the cold. Yet he pressed on. One can imagine him, seating by the faint glow of an oil lamp, rubbing his hands for warmth before carefully placing each precise stroke on the scroll. He likely worked tirelessly, day and night, driven by an indomitable will and a steadfast commitment to his craft. This realization deepened my admiration for him – not only did Wang possess prodigious talent, he also demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. He never faltered in the face of hardship; instead, he confronted it with even greater determination. Each time I step into his role on stage, I strive to embody this spirit of resilience.

Photo of Wang Ximeng, played by actor Zhang Han, in the dance performance “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting”. (Photo provided by China Oriental Performing Arts Group)

The most iconic scene in the eponymous dance performance unfolds during the final segment, titled “Entering the Painting.” This segment, once showcased on CCTV’s “National Treasure”, received widespread acclaims. The choreography ingeniously incorporates traditional painting techniques such as contour outlining, texture strokes, and color blending – the movement of contouring evokes the act of sketching the outlines of mountains, while texture strokes simulate the shading of rocky surfaces, and color blending is conveyed through flowing, fluid dance sequences. These intricately designed movements perfectly resonate with the artistic essence of “A Thousand Miles of Mountains and Rivers.” One by one, the dancers step onto the stage, their synchronized movements forming the contours of mountains and stones, until the painting’s final scene is frozen in time, as if the scroll has come to life before the audience. Each time I reflect on this choreography, I am struck anew by a profound sense of wonder and awe.

Photo of Wang Ximeng, played by actor Zhang Han, from the final segment of "Entering the Painting" in the dance performance “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting”. (Photo provided by China Oriental Performing Arts Group)

As a contemporary artist, I feel an immense responsibility to serve as a conduit for Chinese cultural heritage. Through dance, we bring this ancient painting and its story into the theater, facilitating a deeper understanding of Wang Ximeng and illustrating the historical and cultural richness of Song Dynasty. It is my hope that “Poetic Dance: The Journey of A Legendary Landscape Painting” will not only allow audiences to experience the visual splendor of this masterpiece, but also inspire a heartfelt and sustained appreciation of Chinese culture.

Contributed by Zhang Han, performer in “Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting”.