I've been thinking , how does Chinese contemporary art treat its own traditions from different angles and aspects? When studying Buddhist statues in the Northern and Southern Dynasties during my PHD, I got some inspiration, if we regard Buddha statues and votive texts as an image/text system of works of art, then images and texts are mutually externalized and interpreted. I applied this "Image & Text" system to my own creation. Also, I decided to combine the western painting training I received in the past and use the contemporary art method to create, explored traditional culture in a contemporary way.
In my creations, my work takes on a recognizable form - "Amulet" and "Wish" (my creations are double sided). "Amulet" is the image, an independent symbol system with specific meaning. When deciding on the picture, I firmly chose a contemporary form. I usually use rice paper, ink and other water-based materials, but the form is not figurative or meticulous. In order to interpret the "Amulet"(符), I constructed a corresponding interpretation system based on Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism -- the "Wish"(祝), which is hidden behind the picture(usually viewers watching the exhibition won't see it). Most of the writing system(Wish) are often inspired by Buddhist scriptures and ancient books. However, the content of Wish is related to the current events. In other words, my works integrate "poetry, painting and calligraphy" into a whole, looking for a contemporary expression in Chinese traditional elements. "Amulet" and "Wish" complement each other, construct each other, and create each other's meanings.
“Man of Noble Character”(君子) is a very important concept of Confucian culture in Chinese classical culture. It describes people with noble character.With the development of Confucian culture, this concept has gradually become a philosophy of a life that is accessible and free.
When feelings are not entangled in desires,The relationship between people and things, people and the universe will become smooth. So that what you think is not limited by desire, you can see through the rich and the poor.
Therefore, the man of noble character act nothing as the main thing, and taking things as aesthetics.
祝詞(Wish):
夫气静神虚者,心不存于矜尚,体亮心达者,情不系于所欲,矜尚不存乎心,故能越名教而任自然;
情不系于所欲,故能审贵贱而通物情,物情顺通,故无大达越名任心,故是非无措也。
故君子以无措为主,以通物为美。
Wish(Translate):
Those who are calm and in spirit, the heart is not built on boasting. And those who have a bright body and a heart, can get rid of the constraints of various ethical principles and let the natural nature of human beings freely expand.