Exhibition explores nature and environmental issues

The theme of "art and nature" is timeless.

"Return to Nature," an exhibition of over 100 pieces of cutting-edge and nature-themed artworks created by artists from home and abroad is now on display at the Pearl Art Museum through October 7.

The works presented range from painting, installation, sculpture, video, photography and performance art to personalized artistic reproductions and creations of natural themes, profound inquiries and reflections on environmental issues, and unique expressions of a "non-anthropocentric view of nature."

When viewed from a distance, Caroline Cheng's "Prosperity" collection seems to be Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) apparel.

Visitors can spot countless elaborately created miniature porcelain butterflies on these specifically designed Chinese dresses.

Craftsmen in Jingdezhen, the capital of China's porcelain, handcrafted lifelike porcelain butterflies. To carry the load, even the fabric of the cloth was chosen after a laborious process.

UK artist Ellie Davies is convinced that human processes have shaped UK forests over thousands of years, including ancient woodlands, timber forestry, wildlife reserves, and protected natural landscapes. In reality, the forest represents the meeting point of nature, culture, and human activity.

For example, the artist "dyes" with handmade materials such as lacquer and wool to create a space between reality and fantasy, which she hopes will encourage the viewer to reconsider how one's relationship with the landscape is formed, whether it is a result of cultural heritage or personal experience.

The "Wind Bell" by Chinese artist Long Pan is one of the exhibition's highlights.

This project involved "plant mining" (metal recovered from metal-rich plants) to extract copper from plants in electronic waste-contaminated areas and using the extract to construct a wind bell.

The sound of metal colliding in the wind differs from the sound of plants rubbing, which is a sign of environmental alienation.

According to the artist, the advancement of new technologies has rendered humans increasingly reliant on mineral resources. In our day and age, electronic trash has become a new mineral resource. Furthermore, the act of metalworking transmits metals throughout the environment, even into biological networks and beyond.

"People will die, and seasons will change, but wind bells from plants will remain in the fields like epitaphs, and every sound will tell the moment of human existence," Long said.

Exhibition info:

Date: Through October 7 (closed on Mondays), 10am-7pm; 10am-10pm (Friday and Saturday)

Venue: Pearl Art Museum

Address: 8/F, Aegean Place, 1588 Wuzhong Rd

吴中路1588号爱琴海购物公园8楼