Through the Mouth of the River
Serchia Gallery, Bristol
22.07.23-02.09.23
Based on East Asian cosmological views, especially Taoist ideas on the fundamental unification between cosmos and human, the work concentrates on images that deliberately omit human presence.
Wuxing (Chinese: wuxing, Japanese: gogyo), commonly known as the five elements, is a foundational concept deeply rooted in Eastern Asian philosophy and cosmology. These elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—symbolise the interconnectedness and cyclical nature of creation and destruction. This interplay between the elements also reflects broader concerns within the ecological field.
Viewing landscape as a cultural image, the objective of this body of work is to create a reflective and contemplative space that encourages a connection with the natural surroundings by examining the symbolism and metaphors embedded within the visual representations.
Combining various printing materials and techniques, the resulting images draw inspiration from vintage postcards, Shanshui painting, and travel brochures. This amalgamation creates an aesthetic experience that embraces an enigmatic sense of originality and time.
Through the mouth of the river delves into landscape imagery, placing particular emphasis on the element of water and its proximity. By utilising the landscape not only as a motif but also as a method, the intention is to actively engage with cultural and political concerns in ecology, approaching them with a gentle yet radical framing.
