London, UK, 2023

The notion of disappearance is reflected in the expression “mono no aware” in Japanese literature. Xuesheng imagines the surrealistic phenomenon within a manmade living space, conveying a sense of poetic sadness. By juxtaposing natural change with interior decoration, she creates an uncanny fusion, questionings the human desire for permanence and the status quo of life separated from nature.

A series of abstract ice cubes reference the supernatural animistic notions according to Japanese Shinto. These forms are a reminder of the existence of a species and its passing.