Qian Qian
New Angel
Watercolor on archival board
2022
I am a poet, visual artist and mother with an MFA from Goldsmiths. Through developing narratives and aesthetics around mythologies/pseudoscience, my watercolor painting pieces and socially engaged installations attempt to explore the development of human beings’ cultural identity in accordance with its relationship with the wider natural world.
I have been doing research on archival imagery of different ancient belief systems. Ancient works and stories are a precious documentation of how people’s belief was shaped, by their relationship with each other and nature at that time. The belief is morphing – quantum theory suggests an interconnected relationship between humans and all the other matters, sentient or non-sentient, through the chemical exchange of atoms. It echoes the ancient pantheist thoughts. Utilizing these materials, I therefore make contemporary ecomythticism on being and nature, and touch upon topics like transhumanism, cultural hybridity etc.
In my most recent group show ‘Syncopes’ in Mimosa House, the audience was engaged in immersive experiences, inclusive dialogues and playful interactions through the interactive sound installation I attached, with field recordings relating to mythologies of birds. Interactive art allows another dimension of communication between the artist and the viewer, and is a recurring element in my art.
Motherhood has tremendously changed my life, and led me to the contemplations on the spiritual role as a children-baring female. My work Brave New World was exhibited as a solo show in West Norwood Library Project Space. Engaging with the public, I created portraits of embryos from reading the individual birth stories that were sent through a post box in the library.
My past exhibitions also include: FBA Futures, Mall Galleries, London; Goldsmiths MFA Graduation Show; Lodger; …And To Dust All Return, Unna Way, Huddersfield.
