Zan Wang

The work Celestial Whispers Through Bamboo delves into the concept of home, capturing the essence of being in two places at once: living in the moment and dwelling in memory, embodying presence and absence. This journey began with cyanotype tracings of natural plants and repurposed materials from the Lake District, UK, and Zhejiang, China. Some of these ink papers traveled with me from China to the UK and back. I later bathed them, arranging the imprints to overlap and intertwine the two places. The pieces are linked by rivers and seas, under the same starry sky and moonlight, weaving a connection between distant lands through shared celestial whispers.

Cyanotype naturally highlights the interplay of light and shadow. This material supports themes of ephemerality and memory, with eco-friendly sun-exposed prints serving as a metaphor for fleeting moments and the passage of time. As these imprinted shadows gradually fade with exposure to light, they metaphorically illustrate the process of adjusting memories within an internalized mindscape. The fading memories make space for fresh interpretations and interactions, continually reshaping the viewer's engagement with the layered narratives.

My work harmonizes art, nature, and sustainable design, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world. Using cyanotype underscores the importance of eco-friendly practices in contemporary design. Cyanotype, an early photographic process, employs non-toxic chemicals and natural sunlight for exposure, significantly minimizing environmental impact. Incorporating found natural objects and repurposed materials reduces waste and highlights eco-friendly contemporary art practices.

Celestial Whispers Through Bamboo advances sustainability in art by integrating cyanotype's sustainable properties with natural and repurposed materials. It reflects a commitment to eco-friendly design, illustrating how art can profoundly influence our living spaces, work environments, and recreational areas.