EDNSI

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UCL's standalone large-scale letters

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Shangri-La

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Curating 

NEXART  Market

Liminal Cracks

Beyond

Frameless Contact

Prelude To Space

Aqua Blue

Installation view：

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

Coincidence

This installation serves as a dynamic tribute to UCL, fusing aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality. Inspired by the university's colors, the interplay of blue and purple across the stainless steel structure embodies UCL’s innovative spirit. The choice of stainless steel, known for its recyclability and resilience, highlights a commitment to sustainability and enduring design, suitable for outdoor placement and public interaction. The work invites engagement, as its robust form supports leaning or sitting, making it a versatile space for social and individual experiences.
The LED strip lighting, tracing the edges of the letters, is not merely decorative but purposeful, transforming the sculpture into a beacon of visibility and a symbol of enlightenment. By illuminating the contours, it reflects the pursuit of knowledge that UCL represents. However, the integration of technology raises questions about energy consumption versus the artwork's sustainable ethos, prompting reflection on the balance between technological enhancement and environmental responsibility.
At 1.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width per letter, the installation’s scale commands attention, challenging traditional notions of campus art as merely decorative. It invites viewers to consider the evolving role of public art in engaging communities, fostering dialogue, and bridging the gap between artistic expression and sustainability.

©Yiwen Li 2024