Young Chinese artist holds solo exhibition in South Korea

By Xu Xiaoxuan
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, June 3, 2021
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"Don't you think 'numerous living beings' is too broad a theme for your exhibition?"

"Just like two intersecting axes, horizontally, the concept is broad, extensive, and all-embracing; vertically, however, it refers to each ordinary living being, including you and me," explained Sun Yu, the young Chinese artist behind the solo exhibition "Numerous Living Beings," which was on display between May 23 to 30 in South Korea. 

A poster for Sun Yu's solo exhibition "Numerous Living Beings." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The idea of "Numerous Living Beings" first came to Sun's mind at the end of 2019 and was further inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sun ruminated on life during the pandemic and came to realize that the essence of life is to constantly strive. Living a transient life, every ordinary person might as well be bold to chase a dream and identify the meaning of life.

Sun integrates elements of Chinese culture into her work such as the concept of peace and harmony, philosophy from such leading Chinese philosophers as Tao Te Ching, and the religious understandings of Buddhism. By doing so, Sun aims to express awe and respect to each living being and to recognize the vitality and exuberance of all creatures in the world.

Among the works are 12 ceramic pieces, which Sun notes require "soil, water, and air [to make] — things also necessary for all living beings in the world. Transforming the clay into ceramics through kneading and firing mirrors the blooming of life."

Born in the north of China, Sun developed a strong interest in art from childhood. She got her bachelor's degree from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China's porcelain capital Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, where her ceramic attainments were nurtured and improved. At present, Sun is pursuing a doctorate in art at Sangmyung University (SMU) in South Korea.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, her exhibition was well-received. A professor and doctoral supervisor surnamed Park from SMU praised Sun's exhibition, noting that her creative use of light, shadow, and glaze points to the pieces' salient features in an exquisite way. By applying extremely succinct and abstract techniques, Park added that Sun Yu had created her own unique and elegant ceramic discourse.

Sun Yu poses for a photo in front of a signature wall. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Besides the ceramic works, Sun also incorporated photography and video works into her exhibition. The work collects a host of items from her daily life, including depictions of a dripping faucet, a waving lucky cat, pedestrians at night after the rain, changing traffic lights, open and closed elevators, and bustling intersections, lending the interpretation that art originates from life. 

"Sometimes we all truly wish to talk with the world," said Sun. "Then go ahead. Don't be afraid to have a conversation with it."

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