Yuchen Liu
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The Plant Archive (2023)

Through the creation of a "de-anthropocentric" view of plants’ intelligence, in which the real and the unreal are intertwined, I intend to decentralize and reshape the world, thus to explore the fragility of the boundary between reality and illusion under human definition and the possibilities of using art to create actuality. Therefore, I have created a well-documented and logical "fictional" plant archive in order to contemplate the relationships and status of life. In this project, plants become mirrors of human beings, possessing same emotions and desires, and being able to communicate with humans on a completely equal footing. Ultimately, installation books are chosen for display to reflect the limitations and fragility of the human definition.

The Plant Archive — project overview

Part 01 — The History of Plants’ Discovery

The History of Plants’ Discovery, 2023Paper pulp, shaped foam, calligraphyapprox. 50 × 60 × 30 cm
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Dialogue Records between Humans and Plants in Ancient Times based on the Classic of Mountains and Rivers

Part 02 — Theory of Plants’ Feeling

Theory of Plants’ Feeling, 2023Paper pulp, shaped foam, etching, aquatint70 × 40 × 30 cm
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Theory of plants’ feeling

Part 03 — First Meeting of the Plant Association

First Meeting of the Plant Association, 2023Paper pulp, shaped foam, etching, aquatintapprox. 80 × 60 × 60 cm
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Personal statements

The Declaration on Plant Rights
The reply letter from mankind
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