Mask (2017)

Masks in Sichuan opera are traditionally used to reveal the changes of inner feelings and emotions of the characters participating in the drama. The masks turn abstract emotions and mental states into visible and sensible concrete images, and reveal the feelings of the characters inside the story. By raising the hand, swinging a sleeve or tossing the head, an actor uses different masks to show different emotions, expressing invisible and intangible feelings through visible and tangible masks. The CG shot film, Mask, is inspired by Sichuan Opera Face changing. It is a story behind a mysterious mask, which shows different patterns as different lights go through. Three classical characters in ancient China show up gradually. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China, who lead his army building the great wall, is a symbol of authority, ambitious, solemnity; Monkey King, a classical character in Chinese fairy story, naughty, restless, fury, pursuing freedom; Zhuge Liang, one of the most smart, loyal, merciful military advisor. The texture on the human body is the best sentence to describe their story, to show their personality. The elements from masks are spread into a whole body texture design. Using CGI technique, traditional oil painting skills in Chinese opera is realized on the screen with a contemporary art form.