Since the start of this semester, I have been exploring the possibility of using plants as a medium for painting, making them the theme of my artwork. I chose plants as my subject because I believe each plant holds its unique meaning and language, similar to how flowers convey specific messages. This natural symbol system fascinated me, leading me to deeply study it and eventually make it the focus of my artistic creations.

In the early stages of creation, I used printing to reproduce the forms and beauty of plants. My first piece was made using cowhide as the printing material. I carved various leaves and vines on it to bring out the vivid image of plants. The printing process was done in layers: first, the outline of the leaves in bright yellow to highlight the pure white lines of the plants; then, I hollowed out the insides of the leaves and overprinted them in green; finally, after adjusting the details, I added red to complete the final presentation. My second piece involved using actual leaves as printing elements. I attached them to the floor and directly printed them with color, capturing the leaves’ original look more authentically.

As I delved deeper into the theme of plants, I decided to combine the imagery of plants with the complexity of human nature. This decision guided the direction of my next three pieces. In these works, I explored and expressed the duality of human nature: good and evil. Just like some plants, such as lilies, represent purity, joy, and good wishes through their flower language, others, like the red spider lily, symbolize death and farewell. I represented this contrast in my paintings through the images of angels and demons, merging them with the symbolic meanings of plants in a series called “Twins.” Through this series of creations, I not only showcased the beauty of plants but also deeply explored their power as symbols of nature and how these symbols resonate with our inner world.

Throughout my artistic practice this semester, I deeply felt that my study and creation of plants was not just a personal artistic exploration, but also a conversation with significant issues in contemporary painting. I believe that my work has contributed to contemporary painting to some extent, especially in discussing the relationship between humans and nature and how to express reverence and thought for nature in today’s growing environmental crisis. At the same time, my work challenges current painting practices, particularly in how to use traditional techniques and media to express complex emotions and social issues. Through my painting practice, I try to convey a deeper message to viewers: art can do more than just decorate life; it can touch the soul, inspire thought, and even provoke change.

Moving forward, I hope to continue exploring the symbolism of plants and their expressiveness in painting. I aim to delve deeper into the interaction between plants and human emotions and how these interactions can find new expressions in visual arts. I believe that through ongoing experimentation and research, my work will engage in broader conversations within contemporary painting, bringing new perspectives and understandings to the field.

After my initial explorations and experiments, I started to think more deeply about how to integrate the beauty and symbolic meaning of plants into my artistic practice, so that my work could resonate emotionally with the audience. I realized that plants are not just static elements of nature; they are carriers of life, symbolizing growth, change, and vitality. Therefore, in my creations, I focused more on the growth process of plants, thus showcasing the passage of time and the cycle of life in my works.

I experimented with different materials and techniques to explore this theme, such as using biodegradable natural materials to make print plates, not only to express ecological awareness but also to reflect the interactive relationship between the artwork and the environment. Additionally, I tried combining traditional painting techniques with modern technology, like using digital editing tools to enhance visual effects, or merging painting with animation to create a new form of visual storytelling.

In this process, I gradually realized that as a creator, I have a responsibility to think about the direction and significance of contemporary painting. I began to focus more on the relationship between humans and nature in contemporary society and how we respond to ecological crises and environmental degradation through our artistic creations. Through my works, I hope to draw attention to the natural environment and inspire public concern and action for environmental protection.

My work also attempts to engage in dialogue with other important issues in contemporary painting, such as exploring personal identity, social attributes, and cultural memory. In my “Twins” series, through the imagery of plants and people, I explored the multiple identities and inner conflicts of individuals in different cultural and social backgrounds. I believe art provides a unique perspective and language that can reveal our diversity and complexity.

Ultimately, my goal is to express the technical and aesthetic exploration of contemporary painting through my artistic practice, and more importantly, to contribute to discussions on social culture and raise ecological awareness. I believe that art has the power to guide changes in social concepts and, in today’s globalized and digitized world, to provide a bridge connecting the past and future, nature and the artificial, and the individual with the collective.

Throughout this semester’s artistic practice and research, I have deeply felt my growth as a creator and the evolution of my works. Each creation is a new exploration, and each painting is the result of dialogue and thought. I look forward to bringing these learnings and experiences into my future works, continuing to explore and advance on the path of art.