Liang Shaoji's Silkworm Art Explores Time and Void in Shanghai Exhibition

Key facts

• Liang Shaoji's exhibition 'PSA Collection Series: Liang Shaoji – A Silky Entanglement' runs from 29 September 2021 to 20 February 2022 at Power Station of Art in Shanghai, China
• The artist was born in 1945 in Shanghai and has lived for 25 years in a temple on Mount Tiantai in Zhejiang Province
• His work uses silkworms as a medium, directing them to spin silk on objects through manipulation of sound, light, temperature, and materials
• Key works include 'Destiny' (2012–14) with industrial objects wrapped in silk, 'Snow Cover' (2014) with everyday items covered in silk, and video work 'Mending Sky' (2011)
• Liang's practice is influenced by Buddhist Tiantai school philosophy, particularly the doctrine of 'zhiguan' (cessation and insight)
• He was influenced by Bulgarian textile artist Marin Varbanov, who introduced modern art tapestry to China and co-founded the 'Soft Sculpture' movement
• The artist connects Buddhist concepts with Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben's notion of 'obscurity'
• Liang's work explores themes of time, life cycles, rebirth, and the relationship between humanity and nature through silk farming