Friday myth #3

How bizarre! I left Beijing on Thursday then, Friday lunchtime I went to the V&A and what is their latest exhibition? Chinese painting! Very odd.

Anyway, this week's myth concerns a Chinese story called Peach Blossom Spring. The image is part of a massive installation in the V&A courtyard by the Chinese artist Xu Bing and is called Travelling to the Wonderland (it's well worth seeing if you happen to be at the V&A on a sunny day).

The story concerns a fisherman who sets off in his boat and discovers a hidden place where everyone is happy and welcoming. There's also a lot of peach trees.

Apparently it has a lot to do with escaping the persecution of the peasant Chinese and this mythical land was their escape. Given the pollution in Beijing, a Peach Blossom Spring would still be a very handy alternative.