This month’s essay looks at the 2023 Hugo Novelette winner, Hai Ya’s “Space Time Painter.” Not translated into English as far as I (and the author of the essay, Christine Yunn-Yu Sun) know, this essay aims to discuss the story’s details, explain its connection to Chinese history and art, and put it in a wider science fictional context. Hai Ya’s story uses a significant period in the 11th century AD, and in particular two spectacular pieces of art, as central pillars of the narrative. Sun explores how Hai Ya uses those within his story of ghosts and apparent time travel.
Please note; we are aware that the 2023 Hugos had significant controversies. This is not the place to discuss those issues; this is an essay specifically examining this one story.