Zongde An

An Zongde (b. 1957) places paper and fabric at the foot of a mountain or a roof, then records the transformation of the media through the long exposure to the environment. The paper or fabric left outside loses the original color by elements such as sunlight, snow, and rain; becoming faded and murky, it creates a pattern unique to its passage of time. In this way, the artist turns such transformation by the greater force of nature into works of art. With the philosophy of “always finding materials by chance,” the artist seeks art in nature and daily life. The most quotidian items such as aluminum foil, clothespins, and nails are the principal elements in recording the time’s change. The foil faces the light and tears, while the nail rusts and leaves a mark on the fabric. As if the physical matter disappeared and only the memory’s afterimage remains, the traces of pebble, tree branch, and rusted nail show up on the faded fabric. When the “present” time passes, one may only remain in memory, or even be forgotten. Through beautiful passage of nature and intervention of everyday objects, the artist intends to capture the coexistence in nature and civilization.