Poetry & Sculpture
As with all art, the meaning of what we take from it is very personal. The following descriptions are only one possible interpretation of design elements within the exhibit.
The circle appears in every culture as a model of the eternal whole; a potent symbol of unity, balance and harmony. The square is a symbol of perfection. It also represents the qualities of virtue - honesty, morality and integrity.
Together, the circle symbolises the universe and the harmony craved for within it, while the square embodies how that harmony can be achieved on earth.
The Gateway
Formed by two fused rectangular frames erected on a circular ground plane, the rectangular frames represent the Yin and Yang elements of our world – the Yang tall and dominant, the Yin prone and passive. They also represent the numerous ways we can choose to live.
The square gateway formed where they fuse into one represents the union of the Yin and Yang, creating the ‘perfect’ way that was always there and ours to walk if we choose. The square gateway, sitting on a circular plane, suggests that the ‘perfect’ way – or lifestyle – is one that maintains the balance and harmony of our environment.
The Panda Sculptures
There are nine sculptures representing the nine life-cycle stages of a giant panda. The odd number conveys the dynamic irregularity of the life force itself. This dynamic irregularity is also conveyed by clouds on the plinth’s column, which represents a force of creation or destruction.
The sculptures merge the Panda’s life cycle to the development of our (human) consciousness, and the position the sculptures assume in relation to its plinth reflects our relationship with The Way that will lead to harmony with our planet.
The Harmony Plinth
The pedestal is based around the forms of the circle representing heaven, and the square representing earth. Other symbolic images include:
The union of male stone (mountain) and female (sea) also represents the harmony of yin and yang – a concept fundamental to the attainment of harmony in Chinese philosophy.
The plinth’s column rises like a mountain from the earth base representing a bridge between earth and heaven. Cloud forms surround it, representing revival, fertility and the life force. Together the base and column represents the way towards attaining harmony on our planet
The harmony plinth remains unchanged throughout the exhibit, as the way towards harmony is an unchanging one that has existed since time immemorial. What has changed is our relationship with it.
The Chinese Coins
Nine ancient Chinese coins are placed within the exhibit. The circle and the square represent the balance of nature and the human spirit. The quotation on each coin provides us with a snippet of ancient wisdom that remain as relevant today as when they were written.
The nine coins also symbolises the need for change – the number nine is often used to signify a crucial point of change and transformation in classical Chinese literature.
Seal script, an ancient style of Chinese calligraphy originating from Bronze Age China (circa 3000BC), is used for the equivalent Chinese translation of each coin’s title. This is indicative of the ancientness of the snippets of wisdom the coins are trying to convey.
Wisdom
Looking ahead,
ignoring the past,
we see not the future.
Chen Ziang, 661-702 AD
The past is an important source of this wisdom. Somtimes we have a tendency to focus on the future, which can blind us from the wisdom and lessons of the past. However this blindness can prevent us from the real future that lays ahead of us.
Reflection
In the depths of the forest
we are unaware
of just how subtly
we are reflectedWang Wei, 701-761 AD
Reflection is an important part of acquiring wisdom. Our reflections are guides for our thoughts and actions. By reflecting on the natural world, we can develop a sense of how we can 'fit' better with it.
Connection
Understanding all, yet not interfering.
Bearing and nurturing, yet not claiming.
Acting without expecting,
ruling without controlling,
this is the Ultimate Virtue.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
It was our reflections that allowed us to see the connection that exists between the environment and us. By interacting with nature, we naturally start to form a more harmonious connection with it.
Conciliation
Whoever tampers with it
will damage it,
whoever tries to possess it
will lose it.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
Conciliation is a vital part of adapting to the environment for our survival. We need to reconcile our needs with the environment, like the panda eats bamboo even though they are carnivores.
Empathy
Sensing my distance
from our planet's sorrows,
can I stand alone...
weeping?Chen Ziang, 611-702 AD
Sometimes we see ourselves as separate from nature. But we never lost the ability to feel for the environment. We need to take action now even though is though the challenges are getting greater (eg. climate change).
Worth
Though we take advantage
of what is,
we should see the usefulness
of what is not.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
The desire to save the planet’s ecosystems hinges on changing our perception of worth. Often, there is no ‘economic’ value attached to uncultivated land, resulting in the conversion of forests to agricultural land. We need to place real value in ‘emptiness’ and ‘not using’ before we see the benefits of habitat restoration, and the need for sustainable livelihoods
Balance
As we create,
we also constantly destroy.
Heed the end
no less than the beginning.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
To attain a harmonious balance, we realise our needs with the environment. Environmental preservation is often seen at odds with economic activity – that not employing natural resources in an ‘economic’ manner will cost the loss of employment.
Reverence
The world is sacred
and must not be harmed.
If you mistreat it,
you will lose it.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
We have opened our eyes and ears to nature, the first steps necessary for change. But real change will only come when we believe in our hearts the need for change. We can start by simply practicing ‘little harmonies’, and that the little circle of harmony we create around ourselves would ripple out to achieve the bigger harmony we crave for.
Harmony
When there is harmony
the skies will be clear
and the earth will be at peace.
All creatures will flourish,
endlessly renewing themselves.Dao De Jing, circa 6th Century BC
Disharmony has plagued our world for a very long time. It is now time for us to change our consciousness once again, but this time taking the wisdom we have gained from our previous mistakes.
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