In conversation with the ancients: Drawing new life from timeless stories

Why does a contemporary artist keep returning to stories from over 1,000 years ago?

For Chinese artist and picture-book creator Ye Luying, the answer lies in emotions and experiences transcending time.

A teacher at the China Academy of Art, Ye has created acclaimed illustrated works based on classical Chinese texts, including Nymph of the Luo River (Luoshenfu), which won the Gold Award for Best Illustration at the 13th Golden Dragon Award.

Her journey into ancient Chinese stories began with a moment of self-reflection. After returning from an exchange program in Norway, Ye began searching for stories that could speak to her today.

While creating Nymph of the Luo River, she felt personally connected to Cao Zhi, as they were both facing uncertainty and loneliness when creating stories.

Years later, Ye turned to Mulan. Having grown up in a small town herself before pursuing her dreams in a big city, Ye sees Mulan not simply as a legendary warrior, but as an ordinary young woman who leaves home, experiences fear and makes her own choices.

By bringing Mulan closer to everyday life, Ye hopes to explore the emotions behind the legend – family, fear, dreams and the choices that shape a person's life.

To Ye, creating picture books is a way of "having a conversation with the ancients." Though these stories were written centuries ago, their emotions and questions remain deeply relevant today.

Supervisor: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Hongyu

Videographers: Wang Hongjie, Li Yufei

Copy Editors: Shanaaz Prince, Zaruhi, Du Junzhi, Zhao Ying

Comic: Ye Luying

Cover Designer: Yu Peng