honorable mention
Charles Chao Wang china
title
Away Way
Employing Taoist principles and harnessing the methodologies of meditation and walking meditation as guiding forces, the artist employs photography, particularly within the realm of fashion photography, as the principal medium for delving into their inner reservoir of memories and yearnings. Through this creative process, they endeavor to construct a serene and childlike utopia, emblematic of their long-held dreams.
In the broader context of contemporary Chinese society, this artistic endeavor assumes a role of countering the forces of control and constraint exerted upon its denizens. It is the artist's intention that this project, in its entirety, serves as a wellspring of resilience and inspiration, enabling the audience to liberate themselves from the grasp of powerful totalitarianism and embark on a journey of self-discovery and comprehension.
For the artist, this project signifies both a profound voyage towards inner healing and a process of dismantling and reconstructing their inner framework, seeking to bring forth a harmonious order from the depths of their soul.
Embodying the essence of Zen philosophy, Charles's work blends elements of nature with social issues by capturing the serenity and harmony found in nature through his lens. This fusion not only resembles Zen meditation in form, but also presents a profound dialogue in thought, emphasising the close connection between man and nature.
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entry description
Central to the essence of "Tao" are the principles of "following nature" and "the unity of heaven and man." These core tenets find resonance within the thematic framework of the project, as articulated by Eckhart Tolly. Coming of age during a period characterized by rapid urbanization and a restrictive political environment in China, the artist's enduring aspiration has been to seek an avenue of "escape" and cultivate a utopian realm within their psyche.Employing Taoist principles and harnessing the methodologies of meditation and walking meditation as guiding forces, the artist employs photography, particularly within the realm of fashion photography, as the principal medium for delving into their inner reservoir of memories and yearnings. Through this creative process, they endeavor to construct a serene and childlike utopia, emblematic of their long-held dreams.
In the broader context of contemporary Chinese society, this artistic endeavor assumes a role of countering the forces of control and constraint exerted upon its denizens. It is the artist's intention that this project, in its entirety, serves as a wellspring of resilience and inspiration, enabling the audience to liberate themselves from the grasp of powerful totalitarianism and embark on a journey of self-discovery and comprehension.
For the artist, this project signifies both a profound voyage towards inner healing and a process of dismantling and reconstructing their inner framework, seeking to bring forth a harmonious order from the depths of their soul.
about the photographer
Charles Chao Wang is a London-based photographer as well as an artist, graduated from the University of the Arts London. His work draws from his own experiences and memories, and is influenced by a variety of fields including sociology, philosophy and psychology, in which concerns about social inequality and abuse of power can be seen. He offers a powerful social commentary, as well as an opportunity for spiritual healing, enabling the viewer and the artist himself to reflect on and respond to societal challenges.Embodying the essence of Zen philosophy, Charles's work blends elements of nature with social issues by capturing the serenity and harmony found in nature through his lens. This fusion not only resembles Zen meditation in form, but also presents a profound dialogue in thought, emphasising the close connection between man and nature.
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