Rekindle: the beauty in Tang poetry

• Main Author: Toh, Chia Hui
• Other Authors: Ng Ee Ching Candice
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Visual arts and music
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167969
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Chinese Tang poetry, which adheres to strict prosodic rules, is infused with a wealth of cultural and historical significance. Poems frequently function as a medium for expressing the poet’s profound emotions, ethical beliefs, and attitudes towards everyday life. However, the complex and distinctive nature of the Chinese language poses limitations on interlingual translation, leading to the loss of the artistic conception of Tang poetry during the translation process. This led to an under-appreciation for these poems among individuals with limited proficiency in the Chinese language. Rekindle: The Beauty in Tang Poetry; seeks to explore alternative ways of translating Tang poetry that go beyond the constraints of textual means. This study proposes the use of musical and visual components as a means of effectively communicating the intangible nuances and the beauties of form, sense, and sound that are intrinsic to Tang poetry. The final design deliverables will be showcased through a combination of publication scrolls and motion graphics, aimed at communicating the unique characteristics, interpretations, and significance of four sets of Chinese Tang poems written by Li Bai. This approach aims to address the difficulties that arise in the translation process, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the understanding and appreciation among readers from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.