Wu Jian’an
Leather, metal frame
245 x 210 x 6 cm
2019
In Vital Essence, Wu Jian’an explores the philosophical concept of “Qi”—one of the most important ideas in Eastern philosophy. Qi is seen as the invisible life force that connects humans with the natural world; it acts as a bridge between our physical bodies and our spiritual world, serving as a powerful symbol of life.
Thousands of delicate, flowing lines of Qi seem to escape from the body, swirling and lingering around the form before trying to find a way back in. The artwork creates an immersive, meditative experience, exploring how matter and energy live together and influence each other. It invites the audience to re-examine the relationship between the body and its environment, prompting us to wonder: do the boundaries between “internal” and “external” truly exist?
*Leather has long been widely used in traditional Chinese art. The materials presented here were not created specifically for this installation.