1/24 audio record 汇总及文件

Overall Themes and Contradictions:

·       Tradition vs. Modernity: A central tension exists between preserving traditional methods and embracing new technologies (like AI) to make New Year paintings more accessible and economically viable.

·       Art vs. Commerce: The inheritors grapple with the need to earn a living versus the desire to maintain the integrity of the art form, especially in the face of mass production.

·       Standardization vs. Uniqueness: There is a tension between the desire for a consistent product, as in machine-made products, and the desire to retain the unique characteristics and imperfections of handmade work.

·       Authenticity & "Flavor": The concept of a unique "flavor" (版味) inherent in traditional woodblock printing, arising from its process and materials, is seen as valuable and easily lost by mechanization.

·       Originality & Replication: The discussion brings to light the historical practice of replicating New Year paintings, as well as the limited concepts around "originality" and "copyright" within this genre.

Key Characteristics of Tantou New Year Paintings:

·       Process:

o   Handmade Emphasis: The full handmade process using local materials like bamboo paper, natural or traditional pigments, and woodblock carving is considered vital by some inheritors.

o   Water-based Woodblock Printing: The specific technique of water-based woodblock printing, with its inherent imperfections and visual characteristics is significant.

o   "Flaws" as Features: Uneven inking, rippled texture of the paper, water stains, and slight misalignments are accepted and sometimes even valued as part of the authentic character of the prints.

o   Printing Order: The process involves inking with lighter colors first, moving to darker shades, and finally the lines being printed last.

·       Materials:

o   Bamboo Paper: Specific handmade bamboo paper with a unique texture (vertical lines, visible fibers, transparency) compared to machine-made paper.

o   Local Materials: Originally using local plant and mineral pigments, transitioning to dyes/chemical pigments due to cost/availability.

o   Color Palettes: Traditional color schemes typically include vibrant contrasting hues like bold red and bright greens.

o   Traditional Pigments: The use of both plant-based and mineral-based pigments, as well as traditional dyes, was acknowledged.

·       Content & Function:

o   Traditional Motifs: Themes often involve blessings of prosperity, children, status, peace, and other common wishes.

o   Cultural Significance: Tantou New Year paintings have religious and superstitious roots, originally being created to worship “Pusa” or deities rather than being simply for New Year celebrations.

o   Homophones: Use of homophones (words with similar sounds but different meanings) in the imagery to convey symbolic messages.

o   Paper Horses: Paper horse prints, while debated, were acknowledged to have connections with the roots of woodblock printmaking in the Tantou region, although they serve different purposes from New Year paintings.

Role of Technology & Innovation:

·       AI as a Tool: Acceptance of AI for mass production as a way to reduce cost and promote the tradition, but concerns about the loss of uniqueness.

·       AI as a Threat: A perspective that AI mass production devalues the artistic and cultural significance of traditional methods.

·       Dual Approach: The idea of two markets, a high-end market for traditionally made prints, and a lower-end market for AI-produced images, as a way to both preserve traditions and stay relevant.

·       Innovation in Presentation: Acceptance of incorporating new mediums such as animation, installation art, or projection into Tantou New Year painting.

·       Openness towards evolution: A recognition that artistic forms evolve through time and with the market; there is a need to embrace change and adaptation within the tradition.

Challenges & Issues:

·       Competition: Existing competition between workshops in the local Tantou area, for both resources and sales.

·       Market Forces: Awareness of the market pressures that determine whether tradition is kept alive or changed.

·       Cost and Accessibility: The expense of handmade methods makes traditional New Year paintings inaccessible to many, leading to consideration of cheaper, mass-produced alternatives.

·       Copyright and Imitation: The history of copying prints, and the low priority placed on unique and original designs.