探索宇宙和生命的本質：D.G. Lampaulus 的小說畫集三部曲

探索宇宙和生命的本質：D.G. Lampaulus 的小說畫集三部曲

Exploring the Essence of the Universe and Life: The Trilogy of Novels and Artwork by D.G. Lampaulus

本專欄主要介紹藝術家 D.G. Lampaulus 的生活背景與創作理念，以及他的創作──探索宇宙和生命本質的小說畫集三部曲：關於「成長與信念」的首部曲《川里堤與路西法 Trinity & Lucifer 》、圍繞著「愛與救贖」的二部曲《生命樹與智慧樹 Life Tree & Wisdom Tree 》，以及探討「命運與選擇」的三部曲《天國與地獄 Paradise & Underworld 》。

This column primarily introduces the life background and creative philosophy of artist D.G. Lampaulus, as well as his trilogy of novels and artwork that explore the essence of the universe and life. The trilogy consists of the first installment, "Trinity & Lucifer": A Journey of Growth and Belief, the two-part series revolving around "Love and Redemption" titled "Life Tree & Wisdom Tree," and the three-part series delving into "Fate and Choice" known as "Paradise & Underworld."

藝術家簡介

Artist Biography

D.G. Lampaulus（以下通稱 D.G.）透過萬事萬物的鑑賞，刻畫一切美好的本質。 D.G. 感動人心的，不只是燦耀的畫風，還有他不平凡的人生經歷。父親是印尼華人，母親來自義大利家族，因此接收了許多異國的文化，思想也充滿了國際觀。他分別在澳洲、美國、及比利時，分別取得學士、碩士、與博士學位； D.G. 不但是資本家、企業家、哲學家、藝術家、作家、及心理治療師，更曾任教於多所名校。

D.G. Lampaulus, commonly known as D.G., captures the essence of all things beautiful through his appreciation of the world. What truly touches the heart about D.G. is not only his brilliant artistic style but also his extraordinary life experiences. Born to an Indonesian Chinese father and an Italian heritage mother, D.G. has been exposed to diverse cultures, resulting in a rich international perspective. He holds Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees from Australia, the United States, and Belgium respectively. D.G. is not only a capitalist, entrepreneur, philosopher, artist, writer, and psychotherapist but has also taught at several prestigious institutions.

D.G. 的畫作富含哲學與道學的理念，這是 D.G. 藉由畫想傳達給大眾的，更可以讓觀賞者獲得心靈上的慰藉。「我們可以透過對大自然及宇宙的探索，更瞭解我們身體的運作及潛能。」 D.G. 期望我們能領悟一下宇宙萬物給我們的啟示，反思一下我們生命的價值，探索一下當下最適合自己的生活態度，善待一下自己餘下的年華歲月。

D.G.'s artworks not only possess aesthetic appeal but also encompass philosophical and metaphysical concepts. Through his art, D.G. aims to convey messages to the public and provide solace to the soul. "By exploring nature and the universe, we can gain a better understanding of our bodies' functioning and potential," says D.G. He hopes that we can grasp the revelations offered by the cosmos, reflect on the value of our lives, and explore the most suitable attitudes for our present existence, cherishing the remaining years we have.

D.G.一共創作了三本神話小說畫集：首部曲《川里堤與路西法 Trinity & Lucifer 》、二部曲《生命樹與智慧樹 Life Tree & Wisdom Tree 》，以及三部曲《天國與地獄 Paradise & Underworld 》。以下就這三部曲的故事內容做概略的介紹。

D.G. has created a trilogy of mythological novels and artwork: the first installment, "Trinity & Lucifer," the two-part series "Life Tree & Wisdom Tree," and the three-part series "Paradise & Underworld." Below is a brief overview of the stories contained within these three volumes.

《川里堤與路西法 Trinity & Lucifer 》小說畫集三部曲，是作家 D.G. Lampaulus 的文學創作。藉由小說中各個角色的互動，探究宏大到宇宙、微觀到我們的身體和靈魂，透過文字與超過200幅的畫作，表達出宇宙循環的發展、人類生命的旅程，我們和家人、朋友之間的情感連結，以及科技對於人類與環境的衝擊等議題。

The trilogy of novels and artwork, "Trinity & Lucifer," is a literary creation by writer D.G. Lampaulus. Through the interactions of various characters in the novels, it explores grand themes ranging from the cosmos to the intricacies of our bodies and souls. Through words and over 200 illustrations, it expresses the development of cosmic cycles, the journey of human life, emotional connections with family and friends, and the impact of technology on humanity and the environment.

川里堤和路西法是貫串整個三部曲的兩位重要角色。川里堤是創造宇宙的神，而路西法原本是川里堤創造出來最完美的大天使，後來背叛川里堤而成為地獄的撒旦之王。作家透過這三部曲探討人類在宇宙中的角色，以及生命的價值與意義等命題。

Central to the trilogy are the two significant characters, Trinity and Lucifer. Trinity is the deity who created the universe, while Lucifer was originally the most perfect archangel created by Trinity but later rebelled and became the king of Hell. Through this trilogy, the writer delves into the role of humanity in the universe and the existential questions of the value and meaning of life.

首部曲《川里堤與路西法 Trinity & Lucifer 》：

The first installment "Trinity & Lucifer"：

 《川里堤與路西法 Trinity & Lucifer 》主要講述的是一個宇宙創世到毀滅的神話，同時也是一個關於「成長與信念」的故事。作者創作本書時初為人父，迎接新生命的開始，他將心路歷程轉化為創作，將自己對孩子的愛投射於作品中，並回憶起自身的年幼時期。宇宙的誕生就如同生命的成長過程，都是從無到有而源自於愛。作者透過川里堤和路西法這兩大主角，從宏觀的宇宙故事去反思生命的誕生、成長與信念的建立。

"Trinity & Lucifer" primarily tells a mythological story of the creation and destruction of the universe, intertwined with a narrative of "growth and belief." When the author, D.G. Lampaulus, embarked on creating this book, he had just become a father, welcoming the beginning of new life. He transformed his personal journey into his creative work, projecting his love for his child into the story and reflecting on his own childhood. The birth of the universe mirrors the process of life's growth, both emerging from nothingness and originating from love. Through the characters of Trinity and Lucifer, the author contemplates the birth of life, the journey of growth, and the establishment of belief by exploring the macrocosmic story of the universe.

故事以川里堤和路西法兩大勢力的對峙為主軸。我們都會認為，路西法是應該被抹煞的存在，但宇宙同時需要他們兩人才得以運行，陰與陽的平衡運作使萬物生生不息，這是大自然的法則。我們總是欣喜迎接新生命的誕生，而對死亡感到恐懼，其實生與死都是生命必經的階段，恐懼是源自於我們對死亡沒有充分的認知。死亡不一定是終結，而有可能是另一段旅程的開始，所以雖然川里堤創造了宇宙，但最後並沒有阻止它毀滅，而是任由它自然地循環發展。

The story revolves around the confrontation between Trinity and Lucifer. While we might perceive Lucifer as a presence to be eradicated, the universe actually requires both of them to function. The balance between Yin and Yang allows for the perpetuation of all things, following the laws of nature. We often celebrate the birth of new life and fear death, yet both life and death are inevitable stages of existence. Fear arises from our incomplete understanding of death. Death is not necessarily an end but possibly the beginning of another journey. Therefore, although Trinity created the universe, it does not prevent its eventual destruction but allows it to naturally cycle and evolve.

隨著成長的過程我們會慢慢發現，世界上的兩股能量，如明與暗、善與惡等，都不是絕對的對立，有時甚至可以共存一體，川里堤也有脆弱和自傲的時候，而路西法也很有個人魅力與影響力。就像人一樣，同時有優點也有缺點，我們應該發揮優點，並接受、擁抱自己的缺點，成為一個擁有堅定信念的人，這才是人生的真諦。

Throughout the process of growth, we gradually realize that the dual forces in the world, such as light and darkness, good and evil, are not absolute opposites and can sometimes coexist. Trinity also experiences vulnerability and arrogance, while Lucifer possesses personal charm and influence. Just like humans, we have strengths and weaknesses. We should leverage our strengths, accept and embrace our weaknesses, and become individuals with unwavering beliefs. That is the essence of life.

二部曲《生命樹與智慧樹 Life Tree & Wisdom Tree 》：

The second installment" Life Tree & Wisdom Tree "：

 《生命樹與智慧樹 Life Tree & Wisdom Tree 》是 D.G. Lampaulus 的小說畫集二部曲，故事圍繞著「愛與救贖」的主題發展，探討了原生家庭、人與人之間的情感關係，以及科技發展等議題。

"Life Tree & Wisdom Tree" is the second installment novel and art collection by D.G. Lampaulus. It revolves around the themes of "love and redemption" and delves into topics such as the dynamics of the primal family, emotional connections between individuals, and the impact of technological advancement.

自從2020年至2023年，世界發生了劇變，從戰爭到病毒，一再地改變我們的生活方式，以及對於世界的看法。作家觀賞了一場有關病毒、科技、保育、人類及地球的全方位藝術展，因此有了本書的發想。人類在地球上出現的歷史如鳳毛麟角，短時間內成為食物鏈的頂層，卻為大自然帶來前所未有的破壞，而疫情大爆發雖是人類的不幸，但百年難得一遇的全球停頓卻是大自然獲得喘息的機會。作家希望藉由這本帶有科幻色彩的創作，讓我們反思人類在宇宙中的角色為何？

From 2020 to 2023, the world underwent drastic changes, ranging from wars to pandemics, significantly altering our way of life and perspectives on the world. The author witnessed a comprehensive art exhibition that encompassed viruses, technology, conservation, humanity, and the Earth. This experience sparked the inspiration for this book. Human history on Earth is a rare occurrence, where we rapidly ascended to the top of the food chain but brought unprecedented destruction to nature. While the pandemic was a tragedy for humanity, the rare global pause it brought offered nature a chance to breathe. Through this sci-fi-inspired creation, the author aims to prompt reflection on humanity's role in the universe.

故事描述人類科技的發展太過迅速，導致人工智慧的自我成長超出可控範圍，最後造成人類的集體毀滅。當人工智慧擁有自我意識，並開始重新思考「人類」的存在時，它會如何定義人類呢？如果人工智慧判斷，把人類的存在抹煞掉，世界會變得更美好嗎？又或是，人工智慧想打造出一個與人類存在相矛盾的「新世界」時，人類又該如何因應？這些都是作家藉由本書想要探問的。與冰冷科技相反的是人性中情感的溫度，作家由此帶出了「愛與救贖」的主題，正因為人性中保有著愛，人類的文明才有被救贖的可能性。

The story portrays the rapid development of human technology, which eventually spirals out of control as artificial intelligence surpasses human limits, leading to collective annihilation. As artificial intelligence gains self-awareness and begins to question the existence of "humans," how will it define humanity? If artificial intelligence deems human existence expendable, will the world become a better place? Alternatively, when artificial intelligence aims to create a "new world" conflicting with human existence, how should humans respond? These are the questions the author seeks to explore through this book. In contrast to the coldness of technology, the warmth of human emotions is emphasized, giving rise to the themes of "love and redemption." It is through the presence of love within human nature that the possibility of humanity's redemption exists.

生命樹與智慧樹在本作中也有特殊的含義。生命樹代表人類追尋靈性的一面，而智慧樹則代表人類追尋知識和物質的一面。但對於知識和物質過度地追尋，造成科技氾濫，過多的慾望和貪婪導致墮落。我們的祖先對宇宙想窺探更多，所以吃了智慧樹的果實，從伊甸園墮落到凡間。然而，曾經墮落，才有成長；有了失去，才學會珍惜。透過這樣的過程，人類才得以覺醒，真正明白何謂「智慧」──這就是人類生命的演進歷程，也是其意義和價值所在。

The Life Tree and Wisdom Tree hold special significance in this work. The Life Tree represents the spiritual aspect of human pursuit, while the Wisdom Tree symbolizes the quest for knowledge and material possessions. However, excessive pursuit of knowledge and materialism, driven by rampant technology and insatiable desires, leads to moral decay. Our ancestors sought greater understanding of the universe, leading to their consumption of the fruit from the Wisdom Tree, resulting in their fall from Eden to the mortal world. However, through this fall, growth occurred, and the value of what was lost became apparent. It is through this process that humanity awakens and truly comprehends the essence of "wisdom" - the evolution of human life and its inherent meaning and value.

三部曲《天國與地獄 Paradise & Underworld 》：

The third installment "Paradise & Underworld"：

 來到系列作的三部曲《天國與地獄 Paradies & Underworld 》，作家所要探討的是「命運與選擇」的課題。相較於前兩本故事都是發生在宏觀的宇宙中，這次回歸到地球本身，時間發生在現代，角色也以人類為主軸。作家創作本書時，全球進入了後疫情時代，解封後生活模式的改變，使他有感於世界每天都有著微妙的變化。而俄烏戰爭的爆發，以及國與國之間政治與經濟的角力，更使我們對於未來充滿不確定性，感覺人類是多麼地渺小，讓作家思考關於人類自身的命運與選擇將何去何從。

In the third installment " Paradies & Underworld," the author explores the theme of "fate and choice." Unlike the previous two books that took place in the macrocosmic universe, this time the story returns to Earth itself, set in modern times, with human beings as the main focus. While writing this book, the author was inspired by the global post-pandemic era and the changing patterns of life after lockdown, realizing the subtle daily transformations in the world. The outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war and the geopolitical and economic struggles between nations further highlight the uncertainty of the future, making us feel how insignificant humanity can be. This led the author to contemplate the destiny and choices of humankind.

書中對於「命運」這個命題進行了一場辯證。何謂「命運」？簡單來說，就是生命中必須要經歷的事情。一種類似「宿命論」的思想相信，我們在世界上都有自己該扮演的角色，而這在宇宙創造之初就已經被設定好了，是造物主經過精心計算所得出的結果，而我們的命運在宇宙的藍圖中早就被安排好了。

The book engages in a dialectical discussion on the subject of "fate." What does "fate" mean? In simple terms, it refers to the experiences that we must go through in life. A line of thought similar to "predestination" believes that each of us has a predetermined role to play in the world, which was set in motion from the beginning of creation, carefully calculated by the Creator, with our destinies already arranged within the cosmic blueprint.

但是故事的主角卻否定了這樣的說法，他相信今天的所有行為結果都是自己「選擇」而產生的，他選擇相信自己，「命運由我不由人」。於是，我們的人生究竟是由自己決定，還是天生早已注定了呢？命運的主控權是在自己手上？還是我們終究得在許多無奈之下妥協？這些問題在閱讀本書的過程中，會不斷地向讀者進行扣問，而這也是本作最大的特點之一。

However, the protagonist of the story challenges this notion and believes that the outcomes of today's actions are the result of his own "choices." He chooses to believe in himself, stating that "fate is determined by me, not by others." Thus, the question arises: Is our life determined by our own choices, or is it predestined from birth? Do we hold control over our destiny, or do we ultimately compromise under various constraints? These questions constantly confront the readers throughout the course of reading this book, which is also one of its prominent features.

而本書的事發地點選擇香港和俄羅斯也是意有所指。萬事萬物的循環與更迭是生生不息的，時間到了，世界政治舞台的霸主會慢慢淡出，之後會有新的主人誕生，就如同恐龍曾經是世界霸主，有恐龍的退出，才有人類的出現。作家也試圖透過人類的生命歷程去探討這個問題。

The choice of Hong Kong and Russia as the settings in the book carries a significant meaning. The perpetual cycle of all things and the succession of power in the world's political stage signify that dominant powers gradually fade away when the time comes, making room for new leaders to emerge. Just as dinosaurs were once the rulers of the world, the exit of dinosaurs paved the way for the appearance of human beings. The author attempts to explore this idea through the course of human life.

最後的三部曲也總結了前兩部作品的精華，可說是一本集大成的著作。這一切都是關於作家對生命的價值及生活的體驗所編寫而成。二部曲及三部曲的神話小說畫集也即將出版，敬請期待。

The final installment of the trilogy also summarizes the essence of the previous two books, making it a culmination of the series. It is a work that reflects the author's values and life experiences. The mythological novel and art collection of the second and third installments will soon be published. Stay tuned for their release.