YALAN CHEN

Returning to Light

18 - 27 August 2023, CCAS Manuka

Yalan Chen is an emerging artist studying Masters of Contemporary Art Practice (Advanced) at the Australian National University's School of Art and Design. Chen's research centers on exploring human connectedness with nature. Her Returning to Light series was inspired by studies at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, where she captured the invisible floral energies and translated them into visual elements. Drawing from the classical Taoist text "The Secret of the Golden Flower", Chen's practices aim to reunite the primordial soul, derived from universal consciousness, with the origin of the universe. Influenced by deep ecology theory, Taoism, universal consciousness, and panpsychism, her work delves into profound theories and philosophies.

Her paintings use colours representing specific native floral species from the Botanic Gardens, and aims to contribute to sustainability practices like seed saving. Additionally, she explores a spiritual path to heal our disconnection from nature.

Image: Yalan Chen Myoporaceae 2022, oil and acrylic on canvas, 120 x 90cm