Jiemin Ren
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Dream of The Galactic Railroad
Film Project
Size variable; 5’49” 1080p
March 2023
This project represents an experimental visual exploration, delving into the intersection of urban reality and illusion. Inspired by Kenji Miyazawa's "Night on the Galactic Railroad," I've incorporated 3D modeling effects, situating a train in the nighttime sky of Brighton. By placing a familiar object from daily life in an irrational context, this unconventional landscape naturally prompts viewers to break free from conventional life logic and immerse themselves in the narrative of the artwork.
The visual tone revolves around deep blue hues, creating a cool and gentle ambiance. The camera deliberately maintains a third-person, distant perspective, consistently capturing the train. This intentional distance establishes a deliberate separation between the audience and the train system. Viewers silently observe the train's journey from the seaside to the city, contemplating the solitary locomotive traversing oceans, lands, and urban spaces.
This artwork aims to spark a fresh contemplation of the relationship between reality and illusion by seamlessly blending real cityscape footage with a fabricated 3D landscape. It's analogous to a closed, crowded train car magically carrying its passengers into the distant night sky, presenting the simultaneous contradiction of reality and fantasy within this visual composition.
The project was recommended by Slade students to participate in the 'Frameless Contact' exhibition held at Old Brompton Gallery in London, UK.