Yimou Huang

Yimou Huang’s research explores the divergent influences of Chinese Taoism and Western Eco-Feminist thought on contemporary global art. It centers on the material aspects of dynamic forces, such as gravity, wind, and erosion. Yimou is particularly interested in transformational processes and their relation to traditional Chinese views on matter (such as stone, clay, and wood); the Taoist notion of emptiness and action-through- inaction; and Eco-Feminist approaches to process, duration, materiality, action, identity, interpenetration and more-than-human community.

Specifically Yimou’ s research explores the deep connection between the creaturely nature of humans, and nature. Through sculpture and (site-specific) installation, the work presents the Taoist concept of emptiness and the transformation of energy. Using materials such as clay, stones and plants, it captures the forces and changes in the natural world where emptiness is not void but a source from which all things are generated. Environments and materials, from Loch Lomond to soil, are combined to trace the interaction of forces, matter, the Taoist ‘unity of heaven and humans’ and Western ecological thought, and to create multiple layers and relations of humans, other-than-humans, and ecosystems.

Names of Supervisors:

• First Supervisor: Natasha Lushetich
• Second Supervisor: Kate McLeod