Drawing the essence of nature to explore the human spirit.                    Shanshan Jiang

Heidegger posits that language is the house of Being, much like clouds are part of the sky. Language is not merely a system of symbolic tools but preserves humanity's understanding of existence. When we reduce language to a mere system of symbols, it becomes a tool for labeling external objects. However, the true power of language lies in its ability to preserve and convey human comprehension of existence.

For example, when we hear the word "water," we do not merely think of the chemical formula H2O; we consider its relevance to our lives. Science can analyze things, but in doing so, it strips away the sense of their existence. Through science, we see sunlight in the spectrum, rocks in geology, but these analyses deprive us of our immediate perception of these things. A stone, in the scientific view, becomes a concept rather than the real existence we feel.

The same applies to works of art. We cannot merely regard them as formal expressions on material carriers; we must recognize the role of form in unveiling the material. Heidegger points out that a craftsman consumes stone, while a sculptor reveals the essence of marble. Rodin once said that only when we view the statue of Venus do we truly see the charm of marble.

Similarly, a painter unveils the brilliance of pigments rather than merely consuming them. Artistic works allow us to perceive our living environment, where the material is no longer a silent bearer but endowed with spirituality and vitality.

Architectural works stand upon rocks, silently articulating the bearing capacity of the stone. Their existence reveals the ferocity of storms, the sunlight, the sky, the night, and other natural phenomena. The solidity of a temple demonstrates the ferocity of the tides, enabling trees, grasslands, and animals to reveal their essence.

I attempt to integrate the perception of the Chinese "Book of Change" into my works, exploring the humanity within natural scenery. My creations are not about depicting landscapes but about breaking natural scenes into elements like "wind," "water," and "fire" to express the humanity they contain. These elements interact and combine in the "Book of Change," forming a unique language that communicates with humans. Through art, I strive to express this language, conveying deeper meanings.

​

​