Chains: The Unbearable Lightness of Being/Nature Series No.79 was shown in Liang Shaoji's solo exhibition Cloud in 2007. In this piece, silkworms produced threads to wrap the huge and heavy chains hanging from ceilings, which rendered a picture where cocoons were suspended in the air. Somehow inspired by Milan Kundera, LIANG delivered with a feathery and warm appearance the subject of a grave and serious nature.
The artist began his art experiments since 1988 by breeding silkworm, observing its reproduction and movement as well as presuming the expression of life in existence. Either silkworms themselves or the fibre they produced around various objects were thus arranged in exhibition where these uncontrollable activities might generate unexpected visual outcomes. Another clue in art creation by LIANG was established from silkworm to Zen with the two Chinese words sharing similar pronunciation with each other.
Detail pictures:
The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), LA; Smart Museum of Art & Wrightwood 659, Chicago, (touring exhibition) U.S.A., 2019-2020
