Dan Qing 丹青

​silk thread, organza,stone,brass
44 x 26 x 0.1cm

​As I grow older, I have gradually come to understand that illness and death reveal the essence of existence. Last year, as I watched a loved one suffer from illness in the hospital, I was struck by the fragility and unpredictability of life. During my time there, I wrote letters to my future self, hoping to preserve the insights I had gained and create a timeless dialogue with myself. These words serve not only as reminders but also as a way to hold onto the clarity and wisdom that are often forgotten in times of ease and comfort.

My work, Danqing, takes its name from a term in traditional Chinese culture that refers to the vibrant pigments used in painting, particularly in ancient artworks. It is also a poetic metaphor for art itself and the pursuit of creative expression. The title is inspired by the Chinese poet Du Fu’s verse: “Danqing does not know old age is coming,” which conveys the timeless devotion to one’s craft and passions, regardless of life’s inevitable passage. For me, Danqing represents a deep love for life and art, as well as a commitment to preserving one’s original aspirations.
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The fabric used in this work is dyed in the color danqing—a deep, vivid blue-green that evokes both tranquility and emotional depth. This color, historically associated with classical Chinese painting, symbolizes the harmony between nature and artistry, as well as the enduring connection between the physical and spiritual. Through this work, I explore how writing and creation become emotional records and means of communication, capturing ineffable inner feelings that words alone cannot express. Using stones and fabric as mediums, Danqing conveys blessings and reflections on life, preserving emotions and memories in material form while creating a dialogue with my future self.