Collaborate with Ancient Silk Road Artists in an Animated Journey
Embark on an extraordinary animation project that connects you with the ancient artists of the Silk Road!
The Silk Road, an ancient vast network of trade routes, was more than just a pathway for goods. It was a vibrant cultural exchange that spanned thousands of years, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. This 'highway of the ancient world' was a conduit for precious treasures, groundbreaking inventions, and profound philosophies, shaping the course of human history.
Among the Silk Road's greatest treasures is the Dunhuang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, these caves were meticulously carved and adorned with exquisite murals, vibrant sculptures, and rich historical artifacts. They offer a window into the spiritual beliefs, artistic expressions, and daily lives of people from diverse cultures.
Join us in a unique animation workshop inspired by Art of Dunhuang.
Cave 254, a masterpiece dating back 1,500 years. Discover how ancient artists seamlessly blended Eastern and Western influences, creating a timeless work of art that explores universal themes of mindfulness, compassion, and the human spirit.
Experience the power of:
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Collaborative Creativity: Learn how the artists of the Silk Road worked together to create monumental works of art. Our animation project fosters teamwork and encourages you to contribute your unique perspective.
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Mindful Exploration: Dive deep into the philosophical underpinnings of the Silk Road, exploring the concept of mindfulness and its relevance to our lives today.
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Through our animation workshops, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and cultural significance of the Silk Road. With the support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils, we've brought the Silk Road to life for thousands of people in schools, libraries, and community centers.
Check out these amazing animations created by students from Weston Middle and High School: [link to video]
Ready to embark on your own artistic journey? Explore our adult and youth workshops, or invite us to bring this transformative experience to your organization.
Learn more about our research and publications here.
This animation was made in collaboration with Weston Community and Weston Public Schools.
Funded by Mass Cultural Council and Weston Cultural Council
與絲綢之路的古代藝術家合作一場動畫
古代絲綢之路是一條連結了亞洲、歐洲、非洲的廣闊商業貿易路線。這條“古代的高速公路”上流動著奇珍異寶,發明和技術,以及新穎的思想和信仰,不同文化、族群、語言的人們彼此接觸、交流,持續兩千年之久。絲綢之路深刻的塑造了我們的歷史和今天的生活。
敦煌石窟是絲綢之路上的寶藏,也是世界上建造持續時間最長,保存最完好的古代文化藝術寶藏。
它的營建時間長達一千年未曾間斷(4-14世紀),與西方的東羅馬帝國的歷史幾乎平行。以精美的壁畫,生動的彩塑和震撼的石窟建築,以及豐富的文獻收藏而著稱,是著名的世界文化遺產。
在七百多的石窟中,還保存有492個石窟保存有彩塑和壁畫。這些石窟都是為了信仰、禪修和祈福的目的而開鑿的。
其中,開鑿於1500年前(公元465-500年)的莫高窟第254窟,是敦煌石窟中最傑出的寶藏。在石窟中,既有來自西方的希臘式科林斯柱頭樣式的建築部件被繪製,也有中國本土的木制斗拱鑲嵌在石壁上。
它表現了人類共享的精神與思考主題:如正念、慈悲、平等的對待生命、奉獻精神等。我們所參與的動畫所依據的壁畫《降魔成道》,就講述了一位古印度的哲學家,也是佛教的創立者:悉達多,為了幫助自己與世界離開生老病死的苦惱,而放棄王子之位,到曠野修行。歷經挫折後,在即將獲得覺悟之道時,他內心的負面情緒,也就是“心魔”,帶領各種魔怪
而我們將要共同參與的動畫體驗工作坊,就是與這個洞窟中1500年前的藝術大師做一次跨越時空的合作。利用數字動畫的媒體,了解古代畫師的藝術設計和哲學內涵。並體驗古代絲綢之路上兩種最強大的能量:
第一種是團隊合作的能量,這種能量溝通了絲綢之路,建成了莫高窟,繪製了一鋪又一鋪的精美壁畫。我們的動畫也是一個團隊合作的成果,我們每個人畫出我們對絲綢之路的獨特感受,每個人都為動畫的豐富與多樣性增添了力量。
第二種是內在正念的力量,在充滿挑戰的絲綢之路上,面對無數的艱難險阻,正念與內心的平靜是最關鍵的能量,幫我們做出正確的判斷與行動。而在動畫的繪製過程中,我們也將連接古代的藝術家、哲人,了解他們對於正念的思考。並連接古代藝術與當下的生活。
影片由Hudson 與Qi導演,Mason Chen 剪輯。在麻州文化委員會和地方文化委員會們的慷慨支持下,我們將絲綢之路的豐富項目帶到了多個社區的公立學校、圖書館、老人中心。由近千位公眾參與了與古代絲綢之路藝術的互動,並創作了豐富的成果。
今天的公眾與古代的藝術家的合作的影片可以從下面的列表中找到。
Weston Middle School and High School 與千年前絲綢之路的藝術家合作的動畫。
我們也擁有工作室藝術課程及博物館藝術史課程,它們面向成人與青少年,都深受歡迎。(課程介紹連結)
如果你對邀請我們將絲綢之路的藝術項目帶給你的團隊感興趣,請聯繫我們。
如果你想了解更多關於我們的研究,可以參考我們的著作。