‘Beyond the Land’ questions man’s relationship with nature

The exhibition “Beyond Soil: Art on Ecology” can be seen at Hanshan Art Museum until December 15.

The event, organized by Zhejiang University of Communication and the Hanshan Art Museum in Suzhou, is one of the 2024 projects of the China National Art Fund.

The exhibition, which includes 120 works by 50 artists, leads to a dialogue between humanity and nature.

“The exhibition aims to introduce the theme of ‘Anthropocene’ through soil materials, land resources, ecological care and plant environment,” said Bu Da, director of Hanshan Art Museum. “We want to explore the dual role of soil in the natural environment and human social ecology, and to reveal the importance of soil on which human civilization depends.”

The exhibition, which includes paintings, sculptures, installations and digital photographs, highlights the energy and beauty of nature regarding the soil and reveals the viewers’ thoughts about the future of ecology.

The exhibition consists of four sections: “Ode to the Land – A Dialogue Between Tradition and Nature”, “Ecological Tapestry – Various Researches in Contemporary Art”, “Sign of the Land – Intertwining the Social Scene and Art” and “Digital Spaces” – Integration of Technology and Ecology. “

For example, in the first half of “Ode to the Land”, the artists depict the beauty of the soil and ecosystem with a deep understanding of nature, using traditional materials and techniques.

One of the highlights is “Sand” by renowned Chinese modern artist Liu Jianhua. These porcelain sand shapes are both illusory and clear, distant and realistic, leaving a lasting visual impact on visitors.

Hu Weiyi’s images are also included in the exhibition “Digital Spaces – Integration of Technology and Ecology”. Their photos were taken at Charkhan Salt Lake in Qinghai Province. As a result of the evaporation of water in the lake, a strong salt layer, white as snow, is formed. As a result of a chemical reaction, it turns emerald green, creating a fascinating and strange sight. Through a second human intervention in photographs, the artist asks the question of how nature can be reinterpreted in the face of a world full of man-made traces.

if you go

Dates: until 15 December (closed on Mondays), 10:00-20:00

Location: Hanshan Art Museum

Entrance: 30 yuan

Address: 999 Taihu Boulevard, Suzhou 苏州太湖大道999号