met free Chapter 48 "Battle Song"
Chapter 48 "Battle Song"
The judges examined the painting and nodded in approval, believing that it had reached an extremely high level in terms of composition, use of ink, and handling of details, fully demonstrating the artist's profound artistic skills and unique aesthetic perspective.
Immediately afterwards, an abstract ink painting came into view.
This work uses lines and ink blocks as its main compositional elements. The artist has made bold innovations in composition and ink application, which makes the whole work full of modernity and vitality.
However, when the judges examined the painting, they began to discuss its relevance to the theme, and ultimately shook their heads regretfully, believing that it was somewhat lacking in thematic expression.
Then, a traditional Chinese ink painting depicting a cityscape caught everyone's attention.
The painter used delicate brushstrokes to depict the city's prosperity and hustle and bustle, with skyscrapers and antique buildings complementing each other, cleverly showcasing the fusion of modernity and tradition.
The judges examined the painting and nodded in approval, praising it as impeccable in both its thematic expression and technical skill, vividly reproducing the unique charm of a modern city.
However, not all paintings are favored by the judges.
Some paintings appear relatively bland and unremarkable, with the landscapes and figures lacking highlights and distinctive features, and the overall composition appearing rather loose and cluttered.
The judges looked disappointed as they examined the paintings, believing that there was much room for improvement in both their artistry and expressiveness.
Even more regrettably, several participants have not yet completed their paintings.
Their canvases only sketched some rough outlines and lines, and the ink colors appeared rather light and blurry.
The judges shook their heads helplessly, lamenting that these contestants may have encountered insurmountable difficulties in the creative process and would need to strengthen their skills and creativity in the future.
As the comments on each painting came in, we finally reached the last one—painting number 60 by Jiang Songchu.
When the painting was brought on stage and projected onto the screen, everyone was stunned.
Instantly, the venue erupted in cheers and gasps of amazement.
This is a traditional Chinese ink painting depicting an ancient war scene.
In the center of the image, two armies stand facing each other, their battle flags fluttering, standing out prominently against the vast sky.
On the left side of the image are the valiant defenders. They are clad in iron armor, wielding spears and broadswords, and stand in formation, ready for battle.
The leading general, clad in a red robe and riding a tall horse, stared intently at the enemy troops ahead.
Beside him, several deputy generals also displayed their prowess, some waving command flags with composure, others gripping their weapons, ready to charge into battle at any moment.
The soldiers were all in high spirits and full of morale, as if they could charge at the enemy like tigers descending the mountain at the first command.
On the right side of the screen is the approaching enemy army.
They were numerous and armed with a variety of weapons, with archers raining down arrows from the rear, and infantry and cavalry charging forward with unstoppable force.
The enemy's commander was also on horseback, but his expression was sinister and cunning.
He kept brandishing his weapon, directing his soldiers to charge forward, attempting to break through the defenders' lines in one fell swoop.
The background of the picture is filled with smoke and flames.
The distant mountains and forests were shrouded in the flames of war and looked like a scene of devastation.
Several birds flew across the sky in fear, as if telling the story of the brutality and ruthlessness of the war.
This painting is incredibly detailed and vivid in its depiction of war scenes.
Both the bravery and fearlessness of the defending troops and the ferocity and brutality of the enemy are perfectly portrayed through delicate brushstrokes and variations in ink tone.
Jiang Songchu also cleverly used light and shadow effects to make the picture more three-dimensional and layered.
It's as if the audience is transported to a real ancient battlefield, allowing them to experience the tension and excitement firsthand.
The poem inscribed beside the painting might better interpret its artistic conception:
War Song
Amidst the flames of war and the resounding drums, the heroic spirit shakes the heavens and the earth.
Armored soldiers and long spears are deployed, vowing to defend their land and protect their homeland.
The enemy forces were numerous and aggressive, but the soldiers worked together to overcome the difficulties.
Smoke filled the air, darkening the heavens and earth; war songs resounded, shaking the very sky.
This poem not only depicts the brutality and heroism of war, but also expresses admiration and praise for the heroes.
This complements the ink painting perfectly, together forming a magnificent ancient war scene.
Jiang Songchu finally decided to paint this scene because she thought about how many wars had taken place over the past thousand years to achieve the peaceful era we have today.
From the initial Thirty-Six Stratagems of close-quarters combat to the later use of firearms and explosives.
Peaceful times never come without reason.
She thought of the soldiers who fought bravely to defend their homeland, and of the heavy sense of historical responsibility they felt.
There are always people carrying heavy burdens. The general's back in the painting is her father, Jiang Huaicong, and the enemy is the Xiongnu.
She could never forget that scene; when she was young, she was with the army on the border, and her father went out of the city to meet the enemy.
She insisted on seeing her father, so her mother carried her up to the city wall. When she looked at the two armies facing each other in the distance, she was deeply shocked. That look is still unforgettable.
Without hesitation, Lao Bao gave his evaluation: "I give this painting full marks."
His voice was firm, and although he knew such an evaluation might invite criticism, he preferred to follow his true feelings.
Because, in just one hour, to be able to depict a scene of war about to break out in such detail is something not only he couldn't do, but he believed that no one present could match it either.
The judges on stage gave their evaluations.
Some judges expressed their approval: "This painting successfully captures the essence and charm of ancient warfare, and I agree with giving it full marks."
However, some judges disagreed: "Although the painting is very well done, I think it does not fit the theme of the competition, so it should not advance."
This viewpoint immediately sparked a heated debate: "How can it not be related? We didn't experience the war scenes from a thousand years ago, but that doesn't mean they didn't exist!"
An uproar erupted on the field, and arguments arose from the sidelines.
Someone asked doubtfully, "Did she draw this? I don't really believe she did!"
Some even speculated: "Could she have secretly found out the question beforehand and then had someone draw it and hide it inside? Who can see what she drew in the last corner? I wonder what she's up to!"
Someone scoffed, "How hilarious! How could a little girl possibly paint something like this! Is there CCTV footage? Check it out, otherwise how will anyone know if it's a fake!"
As the murmurs arose, Grandpa Xie snorted coldly, his expression seeming to say, "Go ahead and watch the surveillance footage, but don't get scared out of your wits."
"I also agree to see the surveillance footage!" Grandpa Xie's voice was as loud as a bell as he said loudly.
The judges looked at each other in bewilderment.