In the past year, various concepts of 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism' have suddenly become popular online. Paired with trendy Hanfu styles such as the straight-fronted robe of the 'Warring States' period, the silk shirt of the Northern Song Dynasty, Tang-style shirts and skirts, and armor, there are all sorts of scenarios: running away in the rainy back - view, collapsing in the ice and snow, being tied up, drawing a sword, dying in battle, and even imitating Emperor Chongzhen's 'hanging himself'. It's really a wide variety, giving us a fresh feeling of fatalism.
Understanding 'Fragmentation' and 'Fatalism'
What exactly are 'fragmentation' and 'fatalism'? Do we really need this kind of emotional appeal? In short, this kind of aesthetic doesn't necessarily have to be called 'fragmentation' or 'fatalism'. It's a kind of incomplete, heart - wrenching but irresistible sadness. Originally more common in the fields of painting and sculpture, with the lower threshold of shooting short dramas and taking photos and the improvement of costumes and props, ordinary people have more opportunities to touch those emotional corners that are usually hard to notice and seek deep 'resonance'.
Creating the Atmosphere
To create this sense of fatalism, besides creating extreme environments, for example, letting a few strands of hair flutter in the wind during shooting, applying a touch of red eyeshadow under the eyes, and showing a sad expression... Some actors can also create this feeling through makeup, costumes, and expressions if they can convey the right emotions.
The Connection with History
Is there a connection between 'fragmentation', 'fatalism' and history? Perhaps because there are many regrets in history, there are occasional emotional similarities in sadness. That's why more and more people wear various Hanfu or film - style costumes to create this sense of fatalism. Just like the popular card - collecting games in different eras, when the school - girl style was popular, there might be a group of cherry - blossom girls; when the Tomb - Sect style was popular, there would be a group of white - clothed 'Aunties'. Taking photos just for the trend is a way to satisfy and please oneself, so more and more 'feelings' can become popular.
The Difference between Personal and Commercial 'Feelings'
However, what one wants to create and what the merchants want to show are probably two different things. Some people are creating such fast - paced 'packages', making more people part of the trend. When the clothing, scenes, and actions become stereotyped, the fragmented pictures will also become similar, and people will get visually fatigued. Then, new trendy words will emerge one after another.
What is the real atmosphere of fatalism and fragmentation? We can see scenes similar to 'fragmentation' in many scenarios. For example, when Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty looked up and saw the flying birds hovering over the palace, with the political situation being like floating duckweed and a mixture of helplessness and sadness, he painted those birds as celestial cranes, creating the famous painting 'Auspicious Cranes'. Although the painting has palaces symbolizing imperial power and cranes symbolizing auspiciousness, the bird flock that seems regular but is actually going in different directions represents a complex mix of emotions. The painting is a beautiful vision, but it can't really prevent the humiliation suffered by the Song Dynasty later.
Fashion Cycles
Do you think only modern people are looking for the sense of fragmentation? Fashion is a cycle! In ancient times, especially during the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, some women would wear high - piled hair buns, draw slanting red lines on their makeup, draw sad eight - character eyebrows, and wear tear - like makeup. This 'weeping makeup' was used to create a sense of national pain and was once popular among women in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty. It was called the 'appearance of a dying nation' by literati, but its popularity didn't last long and was just a 'fashion of the time'.
However, this so - called sense of fragmentation doesn't have to be extremely sad. The 'appearance of a dying nation' is not something to be promoted. 'Fragmentation' can also have a positive side. It can be the calmness and composure after experiencing the world, or the sadness arising from great right and wrong. It is a kind of firm energy that has become part of the Chinese spirit, natural and pure without affectation or decoration. There's no need for artificial actions or deliberately created atmospheres. When the state is right, this feeling will naturally emerge.
Personal Choice and Self - Protection
Finally, choosing any style is a personal freedom, and there's nothing wrong with pursuing various 'feelings'. But try to use photo - editing for scenes like hanging, getting frostbitten in the ice and snow, getting wet in the rain, or soaking in water. After all, it's just for a photo. In a word, protect your emotions reasonably and don't hurt yourself.
