Xinlinzi Wang

In exploring a variety of mediums, I have grown to master a variety of artistic ways of representing space and conveying emotion. For my final piece in this semester’s Space course, I hope to integrate the skills I have learned to create a mixed-material sculptural installation. I was inspired by traditional Chinese culture, especially one of the ancient musical instruments, the pipa. As one of the four classical instruments in China, the pipa has a long history and deep cultural heritage. It is not only a tool for musical expression, but also carries a rich symbolic meaning. The shape and structure of the pipa is well worth exploring. Its streamlined silhouette, like a drop of water; the beautiful proportion between the long neck and the rounded body of the pipa; and the often delicate carvings or lacquer paintings on the surface of the instrument, all these details make me feel that the pipa is not only a musical instrument, but also a piece of sculptural art. In order to express the beauty and peculiar form of the pipa, I have chosen to use different materials and media for my creation. The structural foundation of the sculptural installation will be built with cardboard and plaster to ensure the overall stability and texture. To echo the floral elements of traditional Chinese art, I will handcraft three-dimensional peony flowers out of crumpled paper to symbolize wealth and prosperity. The motif chosen for the pipa itself is also peony, but through the medium of embroidery, another traditional Chinese craft. The main colors of the installation are blue and white, echoing the elegant color scheme of Chinese blue and white porcelain.