---

Shuwen Cao 

The River of Time, 2024

Mixed Media Installation

The River of Time is an exploration of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of the changing seasons. This mixed media installation imagines time as a river that flows endlessly, carrying the transitions of the seasons within its currents, illustrating the deep, inseparable connection between time, nature, and human experience.

Drawing philosophical inspiration from Lewis Mumford’s notion that “since the clock was invented, eternity has ceased to exist in human life,” I challenge the linear perception of time. Through the interplay of natural light, the outdoor vista through windows, and a variety of materials and techniques, this work transforms a static wall into a dynamically changing art space that reflects the shifting moods and colours of the seasons and the passage of time.

The River of Time is an invitation to viewers to immerse themselves in a contemplation of time’s fluidity and its impact on our lives. I create a layered narrative that invites viewers to ponder the cyclic nature of time, inspired by the views of Albert Einstein on the relativity of time as a construct defined by humans.

Through this immersive experience, I hope to encourage viewers to reflect on the natural phenomena of time and seasons as core components of human existence. This piece aims to provoke thought about our relationship with time, urging a contemplation of how we capture and engage with its ever-changing essence and the role it plays in shaping our perception of beauty and existence.

Artist statements:

In my project The River of Time, I explore the theme of the passage of time and the changing seasons in nature. By viewing time as a flowing river and depicting the changes of the seasons alongside it, I aim to express the seamless connection between time and nature, as well as their impact on human life.

The River of Time is my visual exploration of the passage of time and the transformation of the seasons, inspired by observations of nature. This work is created on a wall with two windows, utilizing the interaction between natural light and the painting to create a dynamically changing art space.

My creative process began with philosophical contemplations on the concept of time, especially influenced by the viewpoint of Lewis Mumford: “Since the clock was invented, eternity has ceased to exist in human life.” This statement sparked my interest in the non-linear nature

of time. Through studying the symbolism and expressions of time across different cultures, I delved into the relationship between time and natural cycles—particularly the change of seasons.

The creation of “The River of Time” involved various materials and techniques, ranging from traditional painting to experiments combining natural light and the view outside the windows. In designing the work, special consideration was given to the layout of the space and the variation of light, to reflect the effects of light and shadow at different times of the day. The change of seasons is not only shown through the reflection in the river and the changes in the vegetation within the river but also enhanced by Integration of weather changes along the edges of the windows. Furthermore, I incorporated symbolic elements of time, such as sundials and clocks, to add layers and depth to the work.

Through “The River of Time,” I hope the audience can appreciate that the passage of time and the cycle of the seasons are not only natural phenomena but also core components of human experience. This piece aims to encourage viewers to contemplate the role of time in our lives and how we can capture and express its ever-changing fluidity through art. Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity also conveyed the notion that time does not exist. He believed that time is not a universally existing concept but rather a construct defined by humans. If we are not confined by time, we might discover different perspectives of beauty.

“The River of Time” represents my deep reflection on the relationships between time, nature, and art. Through this work, I hope to provide a space for contemplation, allowing viewers to find a moment of tranquility in their busy lives and to ponder the significance of time to each individual.