Renowned sand artist Xiao Sixin from Shenzhen, the Chinese mainland's Guangdong Province, captivated audiences at this year's CGTN Super Night with a mesmerizing performance.
Through the fluid movement of sand, Xiao brought to life all 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. His artistry illustrated the animals passing on a paper scroll, symbolizing their sacred duty of watching over each year. The performance offered viewers an immersive experience, blending traditional Chinese culture with a contemporary art form.
The Chinese zodiac consists of 12 animals: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. These zodiac signs combine with the traditional Chinese calendar system, known as the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, to create a 60-year cycle. Each year is \"governed\" by one of the zodiac animals, representing the flow of time and the cycle of life in Chinese philosophy.
Xiao's performance not only showcased his exceptional talent but also highlighted the profound integration of heritage and modern expression. By animating the zodiac through sand art, he offered a fresh perspective on age-old traditions, resonating with audiences both familiar and new to Chinese cultural practices.
(All pictures painted by Xiao Sixin, photographed by Huang Yi)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
