[Explanation] The cartoon "Havoc in Heaven" is the memory of several generations of Chinese people. The images of Monkey King, Taibai Jinxing, and Jade Emperor are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, but as the art design of this animation, it is known as the "founder of Chinese animation" Zhang Guangyu is not as well known as his works.
On January 21st, in the "Zhang Guangyu Art 12 Burning" exhibition at the Guardian Art Center in Beijing, the reporter saw the art design manuscripts of "Havoc in Heaven" being exhibited. The process of creating classic animation images seemed to be heavy. Now.
[Commentary] The exhibition curator Wu Hongliang introduced that this animation was created in the later stage of Zhang Guangyu's artistic career and is a masterpiece of accumulation.
[Concurrent] Wu Hongliang, Curator and Dean of Beijing Art Academy
The first important message is that Mr. Guangyu drew "Journey to the West" in the 1940s, or at the end of the War of Resistance.
He also wrote a script about Monkey King or Huaguoshan.
Almost a lot of plots in the later "Havoc in Heaven" can be thought of in parallel.
The rational preliminary research, I believe that is the premise for him to create a series of "Havoc in Heaven", which can be said to be a peak art work.
[Explanation] Wu Hongliang believes that perhaps it is precisely because of Zhang Guangyu's changing identity and extensive knowledge that he can achieve such a colorful animation world.
Described in modern vocabulary, he can be said to be a "slash young man" parallel to the times.
[Concurrent] Wu Hongliang, Curator and Dean of Beijing Art Academy
He is not only the art design of "Havoc in Heaven", he is actually a cartoonist, publisher, and filmmaker with the spirit of the times.
Not only for the design of the magazine's masthead cover, but even he has been the editor-in-chief of many magazines.
For example, he designed stamps and even participated in a lot of work in the top ten buildings.
Of course, he later made the design of the illustrations for "Ma Liang", including the animation artwork.
For example, his artistic approach to food, clothing, housing and transportation penetrates into all aspects of human life and so on.
[Explanation] In Zhang Guangyu's works, the image of a "comic knight" appears repeatedly.
Wu Hongliang believes that this is the incarnation of Zhang Guangyu himself.
The reason why Zhang Guangyu must be read again in contemporary times is not only because of his artistic attainments, but also because of his learning and inheritance of his sense of responsibility as an artist.
[Concurrent] Wu Hongliang, Curator and Dean of Beijing Art Academy
He used various methods to alert his countrymen, his brothers and sisters, so he would draw a comic knight.
In fact, there is his dissatisfaction with the society at that time. He hopes that at least through his own efforts, even if this knight is like Don Quixote, he may not be able to succeed, but he is still willing to do it, so this is Mr. Zhang Guangyu’s Background color.
[Explanation] Many audiences stopped at the exhibition site.
Most of them were attracted by "Havoc in Heaven", but they were attracted by Zhang Guangyu's art world and lingered.
[Concurrent] Audience
Because "Hit in the Heaven" is a particularly beautiful memory of our generation in childhood. It feels like the scene where Zhang Guangyu is painting. It is really precious and very beautiful.
Chinese style comics also have their own unique style and are also very beautiful.
[Concurrent] Audience
Including many sketches of this kind other than "Havoc in Heaven" may not be the same era as the current popular culture. I think there is still this aesthetic power that transcends the era and transcends time.
I still feel that we need to give such artists more opportunities to exhibit, so that they can be seen by young people, so that they can be passed on.
[Explanation] More than 500 exhibits are on display in the exhibition, including 288 precious original works by Zhang Guangyu. The time span is from 1918 to 1963, covering Zhang Guangyu's entire artistic career.
It is reported that the exhibition will last until March 14.
Wang Shibo Report from Beijing
Editor in charge: [Lu Yan]