XIAOXIAO XU
SHOOTING THE TIGER
Publishedby Ericksay Edition, 2022
Book size 22.9 × 33.1 cm
Pages 96 pages
softcover
Language English
ISBN: 978-94-92051-78-3
The snow covers the rooftops, muffles the sound, and makes us wonder if what we are seeing is real. Gods, emperors, and warriors with colored robes and faces walk the white narrow roads. The noise of drums and fireworks will soon scare the demons.
Shooting the Tiger by Xiaoxiao Xu (CN/NL) portrays the traditional Shèhuŏ festival in the Northwest of China. Farmers invoke blessings for an abundant and fruitful harvest, through theatrical performances, songs, and acrobatics. It is the festival that welcomes the warmth of spring, the joy of blossoming trees.
In a world where the connection between people and the soil has become frail, Shooting the Tiger celebrates an aspect of Chinese culture that is disappearing, or better, evolving. Traditions speak of who we are and where we come from, powerful tools that connect people. Xu shows that there is comfort in traditions, even when they are not ours.
We follow Xu on her journey into the colorful world of Shèhuŏ. Traveling from village to village, the residents welcome her into their homes in preparation for the events. These moments allow for the mysterious and alienating atmosphere of the festival to appear. Wear your best costume, paint your eyes, be ready to shoot the tiger: it is the beginning of a new season.
Publisher's statement
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Snow covers the roofs, muffles the sound and makes us wonder if what we see is real. Gods, emperors and warriors with colorful robes and faces walk the narrow white roads. The sound of drums and fires fireworks will soon scare the demons away.
Xiaoxiao Xu's Shooting the Tiger (CN/NL) depicts the traditional Shèhuŏ festival in northwest China. Farmers invoke blessings for a bountiful and fruitful harvest, through drama, songs and acrobatics. It is the festival that welcomes the warmth of spring, the joy of blossoming trees.
In a world where the connection between man and land has become fragile, Shooting the Tiger celebrates an aspect of Chinese culture that is disappearing, or better, evolving. Traditions speak to who we are and where we come from, powerful tools that connect people. Xu shows that there is comfort in traditions, even when they are not our own.
We follow Xu on his journey through the colorful world of Shèhuŏ. Traveling from village to village, the locals welcome him into their homes in anticipation of the events. These moments convey the mysterious and alienating atmosphere of the festival. Put on your best costume, paint your eyes, get ready to shoot the tiger: it's the beginning of a new season.