Life I 2018

Qin Yufen created this installation called Life I using fabric, ink, and bamboo, and immediately I think about how process is embedded in the piece. The first thing I notice is the lightness of the fabric, the spareness of the ink marks, and the elegance of the bamboo structure. The repeated motif of a small bird in flight feels like a meditation, like one simple mark repeated many times, each with its own character. The delicate ink strokes capture the essence of a bird’s movement, while the bamboo scaffolding gives it a sense of grounding. The fabric pools on the floor, creating a sense of depth and texture. The use of translucent materials and natural light invite a contemplative mood. I think of Agnes Martin and the way she used simple grids and muted colors to create a sense of serenity. Like Martin, Yufen embraces ambiguity and invites multiple interpretations. This work could be about freedom, constraint, or the delicate balance between the two.