2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui tombs. The discovery of Han Dynasty tombs astonished the world, demonstrating the splendid culture and profound thoughts of early Chinese civilization. The Mawangdui tombs carries the grand imaginations and artistic expressions of ancient China on the universe and life. After half a century of research and organization, this grand exhibition will use the most cutting-edge academic research results and scientific and technological means to deeply interpret the tombs art through immersive digital displays, presenting to the global audience the fascinating stories embedded in this compelling cultural heritage. We look forward to bringing an inspiring and powerful cultural experience to the audience, so that the ideological and artistic charms of the Mawangdui tombs will continue to shine brightly, connecting with the world across time and space.
“The Art of Life: Multimedia Exhibition of Mawangdui Han Culture” is presented by the Hunan Museum and the Digital Library of China, in collaboration with Professor Eugene Wang’s team from the Harvard FAS CAMLab. This exhibition integrates global academic resources and the latest insights on Mawangdui Han culture and early Chinese civilization, bringing the audience into the imaginative journey of life’s transformation embodied by the Mawangdui tombs. Utilizing cutting-edge multimedia technologies such as ultra-high-definition artifact scanning, 3D projection, generative algorithmic art, and immersive LED spheres, it offers an immersive experience of early Chinese cosmology and the imagination of life’s transformation.
In the “Time and Space” section, visitors are immersed in a multi-layered visual environment created using projection mapping. This space is arranged in a “four quarters” model and utilizes laser projection alongside mirrored floors to showcase a 12-minute digital video segmented into four acts:
- 筑 (Zhù): Constructing the Microcosm
- 器 (Qì): Embracing the Universe in Four Chambers
- 道 (Dào): Cosmic Codes and Numerical Diagrams
- 境 (Jìng): Human and Heaven as One
Through the use of ultra-high-definition artifact scanning, digital restoration, naked-eye 3D, and particle rendering technologies, we tend to look into the Western Han period’s sophisticated and romantic musings on the universe and the laws governing life, vividly bringing to life ancient perspectives on the cosmos and existence.
This section utilizes vertical projection technology within a mirrored space, enhanced by 16 suspended semi-transparent gauze screens, to create an infinite vista of clouds. These clouds mirror the motifs found on the nested coffins of Tomb No. 1, illustrating the dynamic interplay through four phases:
- Yin and Yang Blocked. Life Lies Dormant (阴阳·离散)
- Yin and Yang Begin to Sprout. Life Revives (阴阳·萌发)
- Yin and Yang Converge. Life Flourishes (阴阳·纠缠)
- Yin and Yang Crystallize. Life Transcends (阴阳·结晶)
The multi-layered projections and reflective spaces foster an endlessly expanding viewing experience and unfold the Han people’s grand and romantic interpretations of life’s transitions from death to rebirth.
As the culmination and conclusion of the exhibition, this section leverages generative algorithmic art and sound collections from ancient musical instruments to depict the transformative journey of life illustrated in the T-shaped silk painting. Housed within a 15-meter immersive LED dome, the presentation spans four digital video acts—”Netherworld (幽冥),” “Ritual (祭祀),” “Energies (合气),” and “Ascending Beyond (登遐)”—accompanied by music from Han Dynasty instruments like the konghou and bianzhong. This synthesis of visual and auditory stimuli immerses the audience in the enigmatic rituals depicted, fostering a deep connection with the themes of life’s transformation and ascension that have resonated through the ages.
