As science and technology develop and the realm of culture expands, new cultural identities emerge. With the pursuit of multiculturalism, the importance of each country's cultural identity increases, as it is reflected in how each nation deals with th...
As science and technology develop and the realm of culture expands, new cultural identities emerge. With the pursuit of multiculturalism, the importance of each country's cultural identity increases, as it is reflected in how each nation deals with their own culture. Therefore, establishing a new form of aesthetics by combining traditional aesthetics with new ideologies and forms to meet the demands of the times is crucial. Consequently, the researcher has chosen the theme of symbiotic expression through the reinterpretation of the art of the Han Dynasty. The reason for choosing this theme is to establish a new relationship between traditional culture and contemporary creation through the artistic expression of cross-media, to demonstrate the relevance of the concept of modern art and traditional Chinese philosophy, to explore the universal values of Chinese national philosophy in modern times, and to recognize its cultural contribution. By extensively applying and promoting the traditional art of Han Dynasty, it is possible to promote and optimize the complementary relationship between the ethical perspective of traditional culture and the modern values. Therefore, this research can be considered a very meaningful endeavor.
The main focus of this study is how the excellent artistic traditions of the Han Dynasty are closely connected and mutually beneficial with contemporary art. Using this as a starting point, the researcher conducted theoretical exploration based on Kisho Kurokawa's concept of symbiosis proposed in 1980, as well as the idea of symbiosis in traditional Chinese philosophy. The study found that when the concept of "symbiosis" is applied as a methodological perspective in cultural studies, it emphasizes the relationship or form of mutual dependence and influence between two interdependent and interacting systems or entities. In this article, the symbiotic perspective places the inheritance of traditional Han Dynasty art and contemporary art on opposite sides of the same system, as a way to contemplate the relationship between tradition and contemporary art and the tendency upheld in artistic practices, emphasizing coexistence in time. Between Han Dynasty art and contemporary art, "symbiosis" implies the coexistence of different civilizations, cultures, and technologies in the same space, representing the interaction and interplay between different forms of art, creating new artistic forms and values through fusion and cross-innovation.
In the theoretical context of traditional and contemporary symbiosis, the researcher examined contemporary artist Xu Bing's modern representation and transformation of traditional ethnic symbols, demonstrating the coexistence of tradition and modern forms in his anti-traditional artistic expression. The study also examined the work of South Korean artist Kim Hwan-gi, whose monochrome abstract paintings combine traditional elements with abstraction, employing a technique of repetitive cycles. The examination of Carl Andre mainly focused on the artistic expression of his works: the overlapping structures of visibility and invisibility, as well as the interaction and symbiosis between materials and spatial environments. Based on this foundation, the works of these three pioneering artists were compared with those of the researcher, analyzing the similarities and differences in creative concepts and formal expressions.
The researcher's works establish connections through the combination of Han Dynasty image symbols and material media, employing techniques of reconstruction and appropriation to express the coexistence of Han Dynasty art elements and contemporary art in synchrony. In the creative process, Han Dynasty art is conceived as visual elements in space, emphasized through the use of materials such as cloth, wood, and modern formal language, highlighting both traditional and contemporary aspects to achieve a spirit of pluralistic symbiosis. Symbiosis does not imply uniformity but rather diversity. Ultimately, the works present these Han Dynasty image symbols in a new artistic language through the arrangement of structures and groups and the utilization of contemporary technology, showcasing the enduring spirit of Han Dynasty art and aesthetic consciousness of life and nature. The works encompass the depth of culture, the power of technology, and the warmth of art, while also offering the public reflections on history and contemplation. The expression of ethnicity is not the meaning of the works; rather, the representation behind the images is the true intention of the creation.
This study combines theoretical research with practical creation, breaking the spatial and temporal restrictions of traditional Han Dynasty art and integrating it with society, environment, and technology, thus proposing new paths for future artistic exploration and social engagement. The visual elements and aesthetic concepts of Han Dynasty art engage in dialogue and integration with contemporary art creation, not only innovating and revitalizing traditional art but also expanding the language and expression of contemporary art. The creative process involves the researcher's expression of the creation, transformation, and contemporary application of "Han Dynasty image symbols," involving deep reflections on the composition, cultural significance, and the relationship between symbols and nature. Additionally, through the works, the study contemplates the symbiosis between history and culture, tradition and contemporaneity, the East and the West, as well as between media and reality.