Artist statement
Minghua Xiang’s artistic practice investigates the aesthetics and philosophical concept of “Becoming” within a Posthumanist framework, drawing upon Queer Theory and the notion of Abjection to interrogate the boundaries of identity and challenge anthropocentric paradigms.
Informed by modern micro-molecular aesthetics, Taoist, and Zen philosophies, Xiang proposes that “Becoming” represents the dynamic interconnectedness and symbiotic relationships inherent in the universe. Through a fusion of traditional Chinese splash-ink techniques and Western gestural abstraction, Xiang translates this abstract philosophical concept into a tangible aesthetic experience, with a creative process mirroring the Taoist and Zen principles of unity with nature.
Guided by the concept of ‘Becoming’, Xiang’s practice prompts a critical examination of the limitations of traditional Eastern and Western aesthetic categories. Aiming to foster active collaboration within contemporary discourse, exploring the rich interdisciplinary implications of “Becoming” across aesthetics, politics, philosophy, religion and modern science.
In the context of the Anthropocene, ‘Becoming’ offers an ethical and methodological framework that envisions a more inclusive society—one that recognises the inherent value and complex interdependencies of all entities. Through Minghua Xiang’s work, he seeks to inspire hope for a future characterised by human solidarity and active engagement in promoting ecological harmony.
向明华的艺术实践在后人类主义框架内探究了“成为”的美学和哲学概念。他认为“成为”代表了宇宙中固有的动态互联和共生关系。受现代微观分子美学、道家和禅宗哲学及美学的影响，通过融合中国传统泼墨技巧和西方手势抽象，他将这一抽象的哲学概念转化为有形的审美体验，其创作过程反映了道家和禅宗与自然统一的原则。
在“成为”概念的指导下，向的艺术实践促进了对传统东西方美学类别的局限性进行的批判性审视。他旨在促进当代话语中的积极合作，探索“成为”在美学、政治、哲学、宗教和现代科学之间的丰富跨学科含义。在人类世的背景下，“成为”提供了一个当代伦理和方法框架——它设想了一个更具包容性的社会：一个承认所有实体的内在价值和丰富而复杂的相互依存关系的社区结构。向的作品力求激发人们对未来的希望，即人类团结一致、积极参与促进生态和谐。