Timeless Melodies, Everlasting Art
The Chinese music show Infinity and Beyond (声声不息) by Hunan TV has once again brought back the iconic Cantonese melodies of the 70s and 80s, filling the air with nostalgia. As familiar tunes played and past idols took the stage once more, emotions surged—a mix of joy, melancholy, and deep reflection.
These melodies were more than just songs; they were part of my youth, accompanying me on my way to school, playing softly in the background as I painted or did my homework. They intertwined with daily life, embedding themselves into the fabric of my memories. Somewhere along the way, I drifted from this artistic world—music became less frequent, replaced by the chaos of everyday responsibilities. But as I watched these artists rekindle their past performances, the music struck a dormant chord deep within me, and a wave of resonance nearly brought me to tears.
Everyone is striving in their own way—the veteran artists on stage, singing and dancing in hopes of being remembered, and the audience below, eagerly embracing the melodies to reconnect with their youthful memories. Decades may have passed, but true classics never fade. Time does not erode art; instead, it cements its place within our souls, waiting to be awakened again.
This principle extends beyond music to all art forms—paintings, sculptures, and architecture—each offering a fresh perspective as we mature. The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, Michelangelo’s sculptures, Monet’s water lilies—each time we revisit them, we see new details, feel different emotions, and gain deeper insights.
Take, for instance, the works of He Chaozong from Dehua. His Guanyin sculptures, with their flowing robes, initially appear purely elegant. But upon closer examination, one notices how the arrangement of folds creates a spatial rhythm, revealing a harmony between classical and modern aesthetics. The contrast between solid and empty spaces enhances its dynamic presence, making it as artistically compelling today as it was centuries ago.
These timeless works continue to stir the soul, proving that art does not age—it evolves with us. It remains an ever-present companion, ready to resonate with each new generation, whispering stories of the past while echoing into the future.
Artwork of Songliu Yan (颜松柳), Picture provide by Authors