CREATING WITH FUNGI BY XIOJING YAN
“We are Russian dolls, our lives made possible by other lives within us. But whereas dolls can be taken apart, our cellular and genetic helpers cannot be separated from us, nor we from them. We are lichens on a grand scale”
David George Haskell
Xiaojing Yan was raised in Jiangsu Province, located north of Shanghai. Immersed in Buddhist and Daoist mythology and folklore, immortality, reincarnation, and the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world ignited her imagination. Now, at age 45 and having spent 18 years in Ontario, Canada, she has found inspiration in melding Eastern and Western influences to explore her hybrid identity, which serves as the foundation for her artistic creations.
Her artwork centers on the idea of how nature, a fundamental theme in traditional Chinese art, transcends cultural boundaries by alluding to the timeless and geological forces of the natural world. Xiaojing's journey into the realm of the eternal commenced with "Spirit Cloud," a grand formation of suspended freshwater pearls. In Chinese culture, clouds symbolize the dwelling place of immortals. More recently, her focus has shifted towards collaborating with other living organisms, particularly fungi— organisms celebrated in Chinese medicine for over two millennia, believed to possess mystical properties.
Xiaojing’s collaborations with fungi – specifically lingzhi and oyster mushrooms – breathe life into unique and mesmerizing sculptures. These sculptures are a powerful example of how there are new ways of making worlds in which humans are not only protagonists.
Tell us a bit about your journey and how it has taken you to work with fungi…
My journey in art has been a fascinating exploration of culture, nature, and self-expression. Growing up in China, I was deeply influenced by the rich history and symbolism of Chinese art. After moving to North America, I found myself embracing the diversity and openness of Western art. This blending of cultural experiences sparked my interest in cultural transference and the illusion of self, themes that I often explore in my artwork.
Working with fungi was a serendipitous discovery. Drawn to the beauty and significance of lingzhi mushrooms in Chinese culture, I found a connection to nature that resonated with me. This led me to delve deeper into the world of fungi and incorporate them into my artistic expression.
Your art focuses a lot on cultural transference and the illusion of self. You grew up in China and then moved to Canada. How have these two places influenced how you perceive yourself and the world around you?
Growing up in China provided me with a strong sense of cultural identity and a deep appreciation for traditional arts. Moving to North America opened my eyes to different perspectives and allowed me to embrace the diversity of the world. These two places have influenced me profoundly, enabling me to see the world through multiple lenses. This duality informs my art, where I explore the interplay between cultures and the complexities of identity and perception.
How does Taoism influence your work and your creative process? What about your relationship with nature?
Taoism plays a significant role in my creative process and my relationship with nature. The philosophy of Taoism “tianrenheyi”, with its emphasis on harmony, balance, and interconnectedness, inspires me to let go of rigid control in my artistic process. Like the Taoist approach to life, I embrace spontaneity, allowing the mediums and materials to interact freely and form unexpected patterns in my artwork.
I see the natural world as a source of inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual insight.
What are the most awe-inspiring moments you’ve had so far while working with fungi?
One of the most fascinating moments I've had while working with fungi is the first time I witnessed the mushrooms grow from the woodchip material bust, transforming it into a captivating hybrid of human and mushrooms sculpture. The unpredictable and stunning formation of mushrooms, seemingly breathing life into the sculpture, filled me with wonder and a deep sense of connection to nature. This experience reinforced my belief in the profound beauty and creativity that can emerge when we allow the natural world to be an active participant in the artistic process.
Lingzhi Girl Nº 17
Could you let us know about the mythology and cultural beliefs that you’ve discovered about Lingzhi mushrooms.
As I delved into the world of lingzhi mushrooms, I discovered a rich tapestry of mythology and cultural beliefs surrounding these revered fungi. In Chinese culture, lingzhi has been symbolically linked to longevity, immortality, and good fortune for centuries. Often associated with the Taoist concept of "reishi" or "spirit plant," it is believed to possess medicinal properties that promote health and vitality. In art and literature, lingzhi is frequently depicted as an auspicious motif.
What has collaboration with Fungi and nature taught you about humans?
Collaborating with fungi and immersing myself in nature has taught me profound lessons about humanity. The resilience and adaptability of fungi and their ability to thrive and evolve under diverse conditions, mirror the cyclical nature of life. Witnessing their growth, decay, and regeneration has deepened my appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity with the natural world. It highlights the importance of our collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment and embracing the impermanence of all things.
I’ve read that in Chinese mythology, it is believed that all things have spirit and are capable of acquiring human forms, magical powers, and immortality when they absorb the nimbus of the universe and the prime of the sun and moon. How has this influenced your worldview and your art process?
This perspective aligns closely with my artistic vision, inspiring me to view the natural world with a sense of wonder and reverence. It reminds me that there is a deeper interconnectedness between all living beings and the environment, fostering a profound respect for nature's inherent wisdom and beauty.
The belief in the spiritual potential of all things also inspires me to find hidden meanings and connections within my art. I explore the intricate relationships between cultural symbols, the natural world, and the human experience, seeking to create artworks that resonate on a deeper, spiritual level.
Overall, the animistic beliefs in Chinese mythology have instilled in me a profound sense of wonder and a deep connection with nature. It has influenced how I perceive the world around me and has become a guiding force in my artistic journey, as I continue to explore the mysteries and interconnectedness of life through my art.
Lingzhi Girl Nº 1
What have you found that was transversal to all the indigenous communities - both in China and Canada?
Across indigenous communities in both China and Canada, I have found shared values that celebrate a profound respect for nature and a deep connection to ancestral heritage. The reverence for the land, the importance of storytelling, and the preservation of cultural traditions are transversal themes that echo across cultures. These shared values remind us of the universal bonds that unite us as humans and underscore our collective responsibility in nurturing our environment and cultural heritage.
What do you hope your art can teach people?
Through my art, I hope to inspire people to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the natural world. I aim to foster a sense of wonder and awe, encouraging viewers to reconnect with nature and embrace the interplay between cultures and identities. Ultimately, I aspire to instill a sense of harmony and unity, reminding us all of our shared humanity and the significance of preserving our environment for future generations.