There was a time not too long ago when we were close to the edge of a precipice. The foundations that supported us weakened as the cracks emerged and darkness engulfed us. Darkness wasn’t the only thing that came through the cracks, however. Like a wild flower growing from a crack in the pavement, 生命 (shēngmìng), meaning life and 力 (lì) meaning strength also came through to drive away the darkness. 生命力, the life force within everyone, would not allow circumstances beyond our control to determine our future. The artist is someone who creates the world they choose to live in. The artist is the personification of vitality – offering light and visibility in the darkness. We artists would like to invite you to join us and flourish together.”

-IBDP2 Visual Artists

Artist: 陈天和 Chen Tianhe (Alexander)

Title: …Is It All in Your Head?

Date: 2022

Medium: Printed A4 Paper (21 x 29.7cm) (9 sheets)

Size: 110 x 95cm

I am drawn to movies and fiction that depicts “love”, but what actually is “love”? Having never been in a relationship before, I was trapped in my infatuation with straight crushes that my craving for body, comfort, and intimacy gradually turned into an illusionary “bubble” in my head. In this text-based artwork, influenced by Keith Haring’s Pop Shop series, I create a fantasy world with vignettes in which I can find fulfillment.

Artist: 唐承涵 Tang Chenghan (Hannah)

Title: Cooperation

Date: 2023

Medium: Digital Painting Print (Procreate)

Size: 49 x 71.5cm

Even though bears have thick fur and are much larger than wolves, a single bear can be defeated by a closely knitted wolf pack. This picture illustrates a principle seen in human society as well: with the cooperation of people from diverse fields, we can defeat an enemy stronger than any one of us. Cooperation allows humans to form stronger groups that guarantee everyone’s survival.

Artist: 李语双 Li Yushuang (Tippi)

Title: Bunkbed

Date: 2022.8

Medium: Air Hardening Modelling Clay, Mirror (found), Iron Wire, Wool Yarn

Size: 30 x 30 x 30cm

Bunkbed, my childhood “dream” in which the novelty wore off fast, is a reflection of our psychological journey of going after dreams: aspirations, gratification, and finally oblivion that people constantly cycle through at different stages of life, like endless reflections in the mirror. But the flowers, representing the dreams we have or once had, are the proof of our passion and achievements, which shall be kept in remembrance to remind us who we were and inspire us to become better selves.

Artist: 沈可鑫 Shen Kexin (Esme)

Title: No Signal

Date: 2023

Medium: Milk Cotton Yarn, String, Wood

Size: 50.5 x 60 cm

The TV test screen is a symbol of our culture in the Digital Age. I took the image used in the absence of programming and wove it into a tapestry. I hope to create a visual impact by substituting the TV screen with woven yarn. Inspired by Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death, I aim to draw the audience’s attention toward the relationship between medium and content.

Artist: 宣和孜 Xuan Hezi (Emma)

Title: Rumination

Date: 2022

Medium: Sculpture - Metal Wires and Mirror Shards

Size: 60 x 80 x 170cm

The sculpture is made up of many wires and double-sided mirrors. The wires represent all my experiences. The different thickness of wire represent different experiences; the thin one reminds me of the small things in my life. At the same time, the wire is deformed due to gravity. The sculpture itself becomes an experience. The inner side of the mirror represents a person’s inner perception and scrutiny of themselves, while the outer side represents others’ judgment towards the individual.