OPTICYCLE
Liquid clay, porcelain powder, ink, grass seeds, cotton fabric, wooden board
120*120*5cm, wall based gallery installation
Shenzhen, China | 2014
The Buddhist concept of 'lunhui' is the continual cycle of death and rebirth that is central to reincarnation. It is formed from two characters meaning 'wheel' and 're-turn'. I was fascinated by the references in Chinese philosophy and religion to the earth, nature and the processes. The character of 'hui' is written as a square within a square and originates from the pictograph of a circle within a circle - showing a wheel, or cycle. I was really attracted to the simplicity and geometry of the character and felt that the meaning was not limited to Chinese alone. Following on from the Wheelsprouts diptych, I was eager to continue with the velvety effect of ink sprayed onto porcelain powder, although working a little larger. I also liked the stark contrasting black and white geometry, feeling like an optical illusion - reminding me slightly of one of those circus 'hypnotisation wheels'. I was also fascinated by shoots growing out of a painting hanging on the wall, and encroaching into the gallery space.