The Infinite Dao · Watertown series is a major project initiated by artist BAISHUI in 2023. It extends her long-standing artistic motif of “water” while advancing toward more experimental formal and material explorations. The works construct visual impressions of the water towns of Jiangnan through geometric forms and abstract colors, seeking an echo of the Daoist spirit of “Dao Follows Nature” in the interplay between rationality and sensibility, order and fluidity.
The ocean serves as a dynamic stage where light and shadow interlace, fold, and dissolve, constructing a metaphor for time and space. The Shimmer series investigates the interplay between perception and memory through the ever-changing patterns of underwater illumination. Light refracts through the water’s surface, distorting forms, filtering colors, and blurring boundaries to create a new visual order. The artist captures this fluidity through brushwork, portraying the transparency of water, the movement of light, and the stillness of shadow. In doing so, the work composes a poetic narrative of the ocean, inviting viewers to engage with the interplay of time, space, and sensory perception.
The Geocenter series guides viewers on a reverse journey from the ocean to the depths of the Earth, transitioning from mythology to technology, and voyaging through the cosmic expanse and the ocean of human consciousness. The concept of "Geocenter" functions as a metaphor, representing humankind’s imagination and exploration of the Earth's unknown depths. It is an infinite conduit connecting humanity and the universe, evoking reverence for our planet, curiosity for the unknown, and a heightened awareness of environmental conservation.
Artist BAISHUI is fond of studying the philosophy of water. In this philosophy,water is the softest and strongest substance, which is also an important source of inspiration for BAISHUI's art creations. Seeking in the world of water makes her works form a unique “cosmic view of water”: water is transparent as if it were nothing, but in the unpredictability of water and the “soft” way, people can see all things and themselves in it. The series of works Raindrop is a continuation of BAISHUI's thinking about water, and this time the artist chooses raindrop to continue interpreting the story of water.
The artist paints a magical underwater world, where the myriad colors of coral act as guardians of this mysterious realm. In this deep blue expanse, sea anemones sway with their soft tendrils, resembling ethereal forest elves gracefully dancing. Waves crash against the rocks, creating a deafening roar - a symphony of the sea. Each impact stirs up white foam, as if the sea's elves are trippingly waltzing. The sea breeze gently carries the salty, moist air. Closing one's eyes, one can almost feel the power of the thousand waves, constantly washing over the soul, allowing one to experience the grandeur and strength of nature.
The "Scent" series embodies the artist's unique emotional depth. In these works, the artist captures a profound and subtle beauty in an exceedingly poetic manner, leading the viewer into a tranquil and imaginative space. The visual arrangement of the roses in the artwork creates a sense of centrality, drawing the viewer's gaze constantly towards the central bloom, whose colors symbolize the outward emanation of vitality and the flow of beauty from within. In the artistic expression, the artist employs abstract brushwork to enhance the mystery and poetic essence of the pieces, making them not just a representation of natural beauty, but also an exploration of perception and deep emotions. This approach presents "Scent" with a unique aesthetic pursuit, showcasing the artist's profound integration and innovation of traditional and modern aesthetic concepts.
The "Levitating" series incorporates two elements: roses and bamboo. Roses symbolize the romance of Western culture, while bamboo embodies the humanistic integrity of Chinese culture. The Western world is not inherently resistant to traditional Chinese aesthetics; rather, there has yet to be a comprehensive discourse that shapes Chinese aesthetics into a complete system. Why can't oil painting and ink wash be combined? From the minutiae of technique to the grandeur of philosophical thinking, it is entirely possible to integrate them. Thus, the artist endeavors to experiment with various approaches to integration, such as interpreting the existence of Western science through the cosmic worldview of our Chinese culture.