Yuqing Xiao

This is a project about a subjective perspective of exploring the Chinese garden with which I was most familiar and which belonged to my own culture.

It is an interesting phenomenon that from primitive to modern societies, the human habitat environment has been gradually separated from the natural environment. Still, it is not difficult to find that most humans have kept gardens in their lives in modern societies. A garden can be understood as a functional area of human life that keeps a natural environment and expresses the link between humans and nature, from the smallest potted plant on the balcony of a flat to the more extensive garden around a house, which people commonly recognise.

At the same time, the garden has distinct characteristics according to the owner, in different social classes and in different regions. In some ways, it can be said that the garden represents the subjective aesthetic of the owner, impressed by factors such as culture, region, religion and social status. The garden, therefore, also expresses the personal identity of its owner.

Chinese gardens, also known as Yuanlin, are essential in Chinese culture. Gardens have a long history in China and are constantly evolving forward.

This series of works express my understanding of the relationship between Chinese people and nature, incorporating elements of Chinese gardens, classical Chinese art and calligraphy, representing Chinese culture and reflecting my perception of my Asian identity. I hope to bring the audience to think about people’s relationship with nature and personal identity.