Metamorphose



UV print on plastic sheets , 30x30x25cm


Metamorphose intertwines themes of environmental crises, materiality, zoology, futuristic creatures, and Chinese ancient mythology. The use of recycled and repurposed materials symbolizes sustainability and environmental consciousness, blending organic elements with industrial waste for a rich, multi-dimensional texture. The depiction of fantastical, futuristic creatures inspired by ancient Chinese mythology in the ‘Classic of Mountains and Seas’ bridges the past and future, creating a narrative on humanity's impact on nature and the potential for ecological renewal and innovation. It highlights environmental degradation through the juxtaposition of vibrant ecosystems against decaying landscapes.


In this speculative Metamorphose of a future world, fictional specimens are archived. These specimens blend elements of plants, animals, and artificial everyday objects. Presented as a "book," each page is composed of soft, transparent slices, resembling preserved specimens. The choice of plastic as a material is a deliberate nod to its origin—derived from petroleum, which itself comes from the depths of the sea and land. However, plastic resists natural decomposition, making it an enduring yet paradoxical marker of human influence on the environment.

Metamorphose serves as a meditation on the impact of human activity on the environment, particularly in the context of global warming and the ongoing climate crisis. It reflects on how our current actions shape the landscapes and ecosystems of tomorrow, encouraging us to consider the fragile balance between human innovation and the natural world.






Installation view: at Slade degree show




Installation view: at Crypt Gallery






©Yiwen Li 2024