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生灵的谜语·地——动物系列（The riddles of living beings · Earth - Animals）
In this system, “earth” corresponds to animals, and all living beings become manifestations of different states of mind within people. This “earth” carries our dreams, emotions, values, and thoughts. It is the foundation deep in our hearts, providing a place of spiritual rest and nourishment for growth. Ancient literati often entrusted their states of mind and emotions to animals. Tao Yuanming compared himself to caged birds and fish in ponds, vividly conveying his eager longing for a free past1
In this system, “earth” corresponds to animals, and all living beings become manifestations of different states of mind within people. This “earth” carries our dreams, emotions, values, and thoughts. It is the foundation deep in our hearts, providing a place of spiritual rest and nourishment for growth.
Ancient literati often entrusted their states of mind and emotions to animals. Tao Yuanming compared himself to caged birds and fish in ponds, vividly conveying his eager longing for a free pastoral life and his deep weariness of the restraints of officialdom. The caged bird longs to break free and soar freely in the vast sky; the fish trapped in the pond looks forward to swimming freely in rivers, lakes, and seas. This is not only a longing for nature but also a pursuit of spiritual freedom. Su Shi compared himself to a solitary wild goose, vividly showing his loneliness and noble character in times of adversity. The solitary wild goose flies alone in the cold moonlit night. Although alone, it adheres to its inner arrogance. Just like Su Shi in the low ebb of life, he still maintains a noble character and an unyielding spirit.
Nature is no longer just a provider of material resources but also a source of nourishment for the human soul and a warm home for the spirit. Animals, as a part of nature, have inextricable links with humans. In this series of works, departing from the portrayal of people, I focus my sight on the anthropomorphic thinking side of real animals, blurring the identity attributes of the carrier. However, its core also returns to people themselves. Every living being is set up as a riddle. Guessing from different perspectives will yield those perplexing answers.
When I create using real animal images, I am always not satisfied with mere reproduction. I am more willing to endow them with a human side and try to explore those riddles hidden deep in life and find a place of spiritual rest in the complicated world. This place of rest is the “earth” in my heart.
Ancient literati often entrusted their states of mind and emotions to animals. Tao Yuanming compared himself to caged birds and fish in ponds, vividly conveying his eager longing for a free pastoral life and his deep weariness of the restraints of officialdom. The caged bird longs to break free and soar freely in the vast sky; the fish trapped in the pond looks forward to swimming freely in rivers, lakes, and seas. This is not only a longing for nature but also a pursuit of spiritual freedom. Su Shi compared himself to a solitary wild goose, vividly showing his loneliness and noble character in times of adversity. The solitary wild goose flies alone in the cold moonlit night. Although alone, it adheres to its inner arrogance. Just like Su Shi in the low ebb of life, he still maintains a noble character and an unyielding spirit.
Nature is no longer just a provider of material resources but also a source of nourishment for the human soul and a warm home for the spirit. Animals, as a part of nature, have inextricable links with humans. In this series of works, departing from the portrayal of people, I focus my sight on the anthropomorphic thinking side of real animals, blurring the identity attributes of the carrier. However, its core also returns to people themselves. Every living being is set up as a riddle. Guessing from different perspectives will yield those perplexing answers.
When I create using real animal images, I am always not satisfied with mere reproduction. I am more willing to endow them with a human side and try to explore those riddles hidden deep in life and find a place of spiritual rest in the complicated world. This place of rest is the “earth” in my heart.
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