Cocoon-themed exhibition shows exploration in nature

“Surging Waves” created by Liang Shaoji is on display at Sea World Culture and Arts Center. Cocoon silk is embedded in an aluminum-plastic panel. Cao Zhen

Liang Shaoji's large-scale exhibition, “Sea of the Cloud,” is being held at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center. 

Liang is a pioneer artist who uses living insects to do the “weave of life.” As one of the most important contemporary artists in China, he has been awarded the Prince Claus Prize and has enjoyed fame worldwide. 

The 12 exhibited works cover installations, portrays and documents, six of which are specially created for this exhibition, bearing Shenzhen’s historical features. They also explore the geographic and humanitarian picture behind the sea and evoke viewers’ collective memories. Moreover, artificial intelligence and machine learning are applied in exhibits, bringing visitors a sense of collision between philosophy and science.

Visitors admire Liang Shaoji’s artworks at the exhibition. Photos by Lin Songtao unless otherwise stated

Liang uses materials of vigor to oppose rigid artistic standards. Silkworm cocoon is an outstanding element in his works. Inspired by contemporary fiber art in Europe, Liang seeks innovations in artistic concepts in the ’85 New Wave art movement. He uses dry callus on the polyester taffeta as points in the quadrant; and under the sunlight, the dry callus cast shadow on the polyester taffeta, seemingly alive. 

Artworks created by Liang Shaoji.

He measures the world through silkworms. Liang employs the whole course of silkworms’ life cycle in his works. In his nature series, he applies soft silk on hard objects like steel chain, wood frame, newspaper piles, and other waste materials. In such contrast, he produces a sense of healing and soothing, and poses questions on wars and destruction. 

The use of silk expresses a sense of solitude and an unyielding spirit. Liang does not give up his innovations with silk despite his insistence on silk. In his former exhibitions, he used various materials along with silk to express diverse themes. Through carefully designed works, Liang reveals the relationship between culture and belief, the spiritual world and nature to his audiences. 

Artworks created by Liang Shaoji are on display.

Dates: Through June 26

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (weekdays), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (weekends)

Tickets: 88 yuan (concessions available)

Venue: Shenzhen UCCN Gallery, 2/F, Sea World Culture and Arts Center (海上世界文化艺术中心二楼深圳联合国教科文组织展馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A