On The Waves of

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Exhibition Period: April 20, 2024 – May 19, 2024

Address: Aurora Museum A2, No.99 Fucheng Road, Lujiazui, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China

Sun Yao’s highly anticipated solo exhibition, “On The Waves of,” unfolded at the Aurora Museum A2 from April 19 to May 19, 2024. This exhibition is organized by Aurora Museum, curated by Director Huang Shengzhi, with Mr. Du Xiyun serving as the academic advisor.

The exhibition, “On The Waves of,” systematically organized and presented over 50 significant artworks from Sun’s artistic career. The subjects span a wide range, including the newly created series “Inner Universe,” recent works from the “Eternal Flame” series, as well as pieces from the “Neverland,” “Neverland - Landscape,” “River of Entropy,” “To the Stars,” and “Oblivion” series.

Chapter I. Inner Univers

As individuals, we exist within the vast expanse of the universe, our presence both insignificant and miraculous. Born from the universe and reflecting its essence, we embody the ancient wisdom of Democritus, who noted, “One man is one universe.” This profound notion suggests that a single entity encompasses the entirety of existence. From the moment of birth, our inner spiritual world undergoes a remarkable expansion, as life energy propels us forward, broadening our horizons at the speed of light. The universe serves as a grand, cosmic stage, where collective existence unfolds, while also providing a deeply personal narrative for each individual. Like galaxies and celestial bodies, we follow unique life trajectories, from promise of birth and the vitality of flourishing to the inevitability of decay. Yet, the pursuit of self-discovery remains as boundless and ceaseless as our awe-inspired contemplation of the universe itself.

Chapter II. The Cycle of Life

The universe and all its wonders, including life itself, are profound miracles. As Alan Watts posited that, “Life is a continuous, self-sustaining flow of energy in the universe.” This notion is beautifully illustrated by the fact that every atom in our bodies originates not from our planet, but from the farthest reaches of the cosmos. Just as new stars are born from the remnants of their predecessors, our existence is linked to the eternal cycle of the universe. Upon our passing, an endless dance of death and rebirth ensues. The intricate dance between fragility and resilience, moments and eternity that define the diverse forms of life — from microscopic realm of cells and molecules to expansive ecosystems and planetary life. As we gaze up at the cosmos, we are, in essence, tracing the origins of our own existence.

Chapter III. Embracing Sun and Moon, Harnessing the Universe

Eastern cosmology presents itself as an infinite canvas, imbued with profound mystical elegance. The universe is depicted as a vast, fluid life form, with each stroke and line representing the subtle tremors of its breath. Conversely, western cosmology presents a narrative grounded in the principles of science and reason. Here, the universe is perceived as an expansive, intricate system. Within this framework, every star, law, and celestial body correlates to its structure. The relentless pursuit of knowledge, driven by humanity’s curiosity, is reflected in the countless theories and experiments that seek to unveil the mysteries shrouding the universe.