The “Dragonfly Man” installation merges human and dragonfly elements in a surreal form.
A poster for the exhibition.
Contemporary Chinese artist Li Shan has launched the “Quantum Jumping” exhibition at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center (SWCAC) in Shekou, Nanshan District. This marks his first large-scale solo exhibition at a museum since his 2017 show at the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as his debut exhibition in South China.
The exhibition features more than a decade of Li’s diverse works across multiple media. Visitors can explore his iconic bio-art installations, recent large-scale paintings, immersive site-specific installations, research manuscripts, and experimental video works. The exhibition offers an immersive experience, inviting viewers to engage with the artist’s profound reflections on life and science, the relationship between biology and art, and the potential futures of humanity from a multi-sensory perspective.
A highlight of the exhibition is the “Dragonfly Man” installation, which merges human and dragonfly elements in a surreal form. This piece challenges traditional artistic aesthetics and breaks the boundaries between species, offering a fresh perspective on human conceptions.
The exhibition also features 30 manuscripts from Li, providing visitors with a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process. These works, which blend genetic editing with philosophical musings, are transformed into thought-provoking pieces of art.
The “Ancient Civilization Puzzle,” a 200-square-meter space adorned with bold brushstrokes and mysterious symbols, evokes the origins of civilization, allowing the audience to feel a connection with ancient cultures across millennia.
The title “Quantum Jumping” refers to a phenomenon in quantum physics where particles leap instantaneously between discontinuous energy levels. This concept has become significant in both scientific advancements and geopolitical discourse. For Li, “Quantum Jumping” symbolizes his ongoing pursuit of pushing the boundaries of cognition and concepts in his artistic practice. It reflects his creative methodology, involving multiple leaps in core concepts, media, and forms of expression.
Since the 1990s, when Li began incorporating gene editing into his art, his trajectory has explored diverse paths. Recently, his research has shifted towards the ancient Sumerian civilization, one of the cradles of human civilization. Though his work may seem non-linear, it consistently returns to a fundamental inquiry into the essence of life. Biology has remained at the core of his artistic evolution, woven into every piece he creates.
Dates: Until May 23
Venue: Sea World Culture and Arts Center, Shekou, Nanshan District (海上世界文化艺术中心)
Metro: Line 2 or 12 to Sea World Station (海上世界站), Exit A