30 May Fables of Symbiosis—From Being to Belonging
“…All the actors are symbionts in intricate relationships with each other, with varying degrees of openness to attachments and assemblages with other holobionts.”
—Donna Haraway
Since humanity, propelled by rapidly advancing science and technology, has gradually entered the Anthropocene, it has left an unprecedented impact on the geological environment. At the same time, as we face the backlash of natural disasters and reflect on bioethics, the shift from anthropocentrism to an ecological perspective grounded in harmony and respect has made the question of achieving mutual symbiosis among all living beings a pressing global concern that continues to unfold.
In academic research, the recent “symbiotic turn” has influenced not only fields such as immunology and virology but also catalyzed new ways of seeing diverse life forms across disciplines. This proposition urges fields like ecology to reassess the possibilities and actions through which nature might achieve harmonious coexistence, while simultaneously provoking renewed philosophical and artistic inquiries into the structure of human perception. It is from this context that the exhibition Fables of Symbiosis arises—through the artistic presentations of Jon Ching, Wu Chun Yin, Hui Kim Ho, and Chen Hung Hsin, it seeks to pose ecological questions and inspire a renewed sensitivity.
Jon Ching, an American artist dedicated to environmental and ecological conservation, consistently studies the form, color, and habitat of various species. Through his work, he has also sought to raise awareness about issues such as deforestation. He is not only a creator but also a conservation practitioner. His works are often inspired by the wild, blending elements from different species with vivid imagination, exploring the delicate balance of nature.
Wu Chun Yin, born in Guangzhou and educated in Australia and Spain, has actively participated in exhibitions at home and abroad, receiving numerous awards and acquisitions. His work inherits the tradition of Western classical still life painting while transforming into a striking contemporary style through subtle tonal transitions and intense compositions. Frequently using flowers as metaphors, his pieces reflect the temporal cycle of blooming and fading, presented in a whisper-like manner that contemplates the modes of biological existence.
Hui Kim Ho, born in Hong Kong, earned degrees from Central Saint Martins in London and RMIT University in Australia. His works blend elements of classical painting from both East and West, creating imagined-real environments that explore the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. His art embodies profound reflections on human nature, the environment, and existence itself—an exploration of the meaning of life.
Chen Hung Hsin, a rising talent from Taiwan, is known for his exquisite realism and refined rendering of light and shadow. In contrast to many of his contemporaries, Chen’s paintings are marked by their restraint and a signature dark background, which creates a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. His recurring themes—such as “The Disguiser” and “Dimensions of Time and Space”—convey his inquiries into existential conditions across temporal and spatial contexts, depicting survival strategies through symbolic imagery.
In the group exhibition Fables of Symbiosis—From Being to Belonging, through the works of four artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, we are invited to reinterpret the relationships among environment, subjectivity, and the other. Beyond the aesthetic appreciation lies an attempt to capture the negotiations and shared sentiments within the differences of life—through non-human voices and unfamiliar perspectives.
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Fables of Symbiosis—From Being to Belonging
Period｜2025.06.14- 2025.08.09
Opening reception｜2025.06.14 15:00
Artists｜Jon Ching、Wu Chun Yin、Chen Hung Hsin、Hui Kim Ho
Venue｜1F., No. 222, Shidong Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei