Fairy land or Pavilion of the Immortals, 1956

Rhythmic Vitality and Animation (III)

In Long’s work “Pavilion of the Immortals”, the rich variations in light among the clouds and mountain peaks benefitted from the artist’s ingenious use of darkroom techniques. His repeated creation of shading and minute changes not only engendered a three-dimensional effect, but deepened the image’s animated sense of rhythmic vitality. It not only manifests a rhythmic musicality and the strong flavor of an old artist, but if one looks deeply, it remanifests the ancient art and culture of China. Renowned Ming-dynasty seal carver Da Chongguang once said: “Exceptional scenery lies in covering up light, giving the view greater freshness. It becomes both dense and expansive.” Qing painter Yun Shouping similarly commented, “The subtlest aspect of rhythmic vitality is its expansiveness within density.” This work is an exemplary illustration of this principle.