
UV print on plastic sheets , 30x30x25cm

In this speculative Shan Hai Jing 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.
Shan Hai Jing (山海经) 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