‘Beyond the ground’ questions man’s relationship with nature

The exhibition “Beyond the Soil: Art on Ecology” is on display at the Hanshan Art Museum until December 15.

The event, organized by Zhejiang Communication University and Hanshan Art Museum in Suzhou, is one of the China National Arts Fund’s projects for 2024.

With 120 works of art by 50 artists, the exhibition initiates a dialogue between people and nature.

“The exhibition aims to introduce the theme of ‘Anthropocene’ through soil materials, land resources, ecological maintenance and plant environment,” said Bu Da, director of Hanshan Art Museum. “We want to explore the dual role of soil in the natural environment and human social ecology, and reveal the significance of the soil on which human civilization depends.”

The exhibition, which includes paintings, sculptures, installations and digital photographs, highlights the energy and beauty of nature as it relates to the soil, evoking viewers’ thoughts on the future of ecology.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: ‘Ode to the soil – a dialogue between tradition and nature’, ‘Ecological tapestries – diverse explorations in contemporary art’, ‘Mark of the Land – interweaving the social scene and art’ and ‘ Digital Fields’ – The Integration of Technology and Ecology.”

For example, in the first half of ‘Ode to the Soil’ the artists depict the beauty of the soil and the ecosystem using traditional materials and techniques with a deep insight into nature.

One of the highlights is the work ‘Sand’ by the famous Chinese modern artist Liu Jianhua. These porcelain sand shapes are both deceptive and bright, distant and realistic, leaving a lasting visual impact on visitors.

Hu Weiyi’s images are also included in the exhibition “Digital Fields – The Integration of Technology and Ecology.” His photos were taken at Charkhan Salt Lake in Qinghai Province. Due to the evaporation of the water, the lake develops a strong salt layer as white as snow. The chemical reaction turns it emerald green, creating an enchanting and strange scene. The artist asks how we can reinterpret nature in the light of a world full of man-made traces through a second human intervention in the photographs.

If you go

Dates: until December 15 (closed on Mondays), 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Hanshan Art Museum

Entrance fee: 30 yuan

Address: 999 Taihu Ave, Suzhou 苏州太湖大道999号