Exhibition Dates
2023.2.24 – 2023.3.13
Fenjiu VIP Art Night
2023.2.25, Sat, 6/00 – 9/00 pm
Location
901 Lawrence Ave W, North York
Artists
Tianzhuo Xie
Jianxi Fang
Bingqing Yan
Zihan Yuan
The latest statistics show that each person spends an average of 7 hours per day on the internet, where billions of tweets are rapidly produced and just as quickly forgotten. We are all caught up in this tidal wave of information.
We all humans now find ourselves facing a significant challenge. On one hand, the sheer volume of information has caused many of our language systems to become clogged and ineffective, creating gaps in our understanding and cultural experiences. In the past, it might have taken generations for these changes to take place, but now it can happen in mere months, or even days.
The 12 Chinese Hour System (十二时辰, Shí'èr shíchén) is an ancient timekeeping method that divides a day into 12 equal periods, each lasting two hours. Rooted in Chinese cosmology and philosophy, this system reflects the harmonious relationship between humans and the universe. It aligns with the principles of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements (金, 木, 水, 火, 土), and the natural cycles of the cosmos, emphasizing balance and interconnectedness. Each "hour" is tied to specific energies and activities, guiding people to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature. Furthermore, the naming of each hour after one of the 12 Zodiac animals connects timekeeping with agricultural traditions, celestial patterns, and symbolic meanings, highlighting the profound integration of time, space, and human experience in Chinese thought. This philosophical framework illustrates how ancient Chinese culture viewed time not merely as a linear sequence but as a dynamic and cyclical process reflecting the flow of life and the universe.
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