Silver Dragon
Single-channel video
5 min 50 s
2024
Silver Dragon is a 3D animated film inspired by an unexpected discovery in a remote mica cave in Nesodden, Norway. While exploring this abandoned site, I was mesmerized by the shimmering mica fragments scattered throughout the dimly lit cave. These fragments evoke an image of a mystical dragon that might have once inhabited the space. The dragon’s silver scales, left behind as it flew out of the cave, became a central motif in the story. The narrative follows the life cycle of a group of dragons, presenting a fresh take of a classic cultural symbol from Chinese mythology.
Unlike the traditional portrayal of dragons as majestic, powerful beings, Silver Dragon explores a more nuanced perspective. The dragons’ existence is divided into three distinct phases. In the first phase, they begin as eggs, hidden and protected within the confines of an aquatic plant underwater. As they transition into the second phase, they become nymphs, still bound to the plant. During this stage, they experience a prolonged period of dormancy and subtle transformation, representing a time of unseen growth. It is only in the third stage that they fully mature into dragons, emerging from the cave to explore the world beyond. This emergency is not just a physical transformation but also a symbolic journey of self-discovery and freedom.
The dragons take flight from the cave, embarking on a journey to explore the vast, unknown world. Silver Dragon is not just a visual spectacle but also a deep exploration of identity, transformation, and the mysteries of life. It delves into the idea that beauty can be found in unexpected places and that even the most mythical creatures undergo profound journeys of growth and change. The film aims to captivate audiences with its rich, imaginative storytelling, inviting them to immerse themselves in a world where fantasy and reality intertwine.
Qi Tan (b. 1994, China), based in Oslo, delves into the confluence of nature’s mystique and digital innovation in her artistry. With a practice rooted in the fusion of organic elements with digital media, she constructs immersive utopias where dreams and mythology converge with the tranquility of nature. This synthesis creates a surreal world inhabited by extraordinary species, challenging conventional perceptions of reality. A graduate from the Oslo Academy of Fine Arts, her exhibitions span Studio 17 (Stavanger), Tegnerforbundet (Oslo), Bærum Kunsthall, Høstutstillingen 2022, Østlandsutstillingen 2023, Galleri Blunk (Trondheim), and Galleri Ask (Horten), reflecting her commitment to reimagining the interaction between the digital and natural.
Mediabox is Forum Box gallery’s space dedicated to media art. The program is created in collaboration with AV-arkki.
There are three steps to the media art space Mediabox, but the work is also available for viewing on a tablet by request. Please don’t hestitate to contact our staff if Mediabox is inaccessible for you.