Shanghai’s cultural landscape has gained a sophisticated new landmark for cinephiles and art lovers alike. On February 21, 2026, the “Haishang Film Art Salon” officially launched at the China Art Museum (formerly the China Art Palace). This joint initiative by the Shanghai Art Museum, the Shanghai Film Association, and the Shanghai Art Film Federation aims to turn immersive cinematic appreciation into a mainstay of the city’s urban lifestyle.
A Masterclass in Ink-Wash Aesthetics
The inaugural event, titled “Flowing Shadows and Clear Sounds,” focused on the legendary ink-wash animations that defined the “Shanghai Style” (Haipai). The program highlighted The Deer’s Bell, a poetic masterpiece written by the famed second-generation director Sang Hu.
The film serves as a perfect example of cross-disciplinary collaboration: its character designs were handled by the ink-painting master Cheng Shifa, while its misty, atmospheric backgrounds were painted by the landscape artist Fang Jizhong. For the audience, every frame on the museum’s large screen functioned as a standalone work of fine art, showcasing the delicate brushwork and emotional depth of traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Synesthesia: Where Guqin Meets the Silver Screen
The evening’s centerpiece was a screening of Feeling from Mountain and Water, widely regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese ink-wash animation. The experience was elevated by a live Guqin performance that synchronized with the film’s ethereal visuals.
The presence of the original soundtrack’s performers—composer Jin Fuzai and Guqin master Gong Yi—added a layer of historical significance. As Gong Yi’s fingers swept across the strings, the ancient melodies resonated through the museum’s gallery space, creating a profound dialogue between the ink-washed mountains on screen and the traditional sounds of the scholars’ instrument.
More than a Screening: A Cultural Dialogue
The salon is designed to be more than just a cinema; it is a space for intellectual and artistic exchange. Director Zheng Dasheng led a discussion with the original creators, peeling back the layers of craftsmanship behind these classics. They explored how film language can uniquely interpret the "Zen" spirit of Chinese painting and the "rhythmic vitality" of traditional lines.
Beyond the animation night, the China Art Museum integrated the salon into a broader Spring Festival program, including:
- Expert-Led Tours: Deep dives into the sculpture art of Zeng Chenggang and the treasures of the Duoyun Xuan collection.
- Hands-on Workshops: Craft sessions involving traditional enamelware and Year of the Horse “heat-shrink” art, allowing visitors to engage with heritage through tactile creation.
- Artistic Humor: A specialized “Art Talk Show” exploring the history of horses in art to celebrate the current zodiac year.
Future Perspectives
The Haishang Film Art Salon will continue as a monthly series, featuring classic restorations, contemporary art house gems, and experimental new media works. By positioning cinema within the walls of a major art museum, Shanghai is encouraging audiences to view film through an artistic lens, fostering a deeper appreciation for how visual storytelling transcends different mediums.
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