Chun Sun is a multi-disciplinary artist from China. Her work incorporates various media such as painting, digital art, installation and film. Recent projects include collaborations and exhibitions with; The Power Station of Art (PSA), Shanghai Himalayas Museum, CICA Museum, Espacio SOLO Museum, Genoa Biennial, Aranya Theatre Festival and SXSW.
Chun Sun
When I first started learning to read, I particularly enjoyed my father's subscription to Science Fiction World. The magazine is published by Sichuan Science and Technology Association, led by scientists from different fields in China. At the time, my family members worked in a hospital. The decor of the old hospital and the smell of disinfectant and medical equipment has stayed strong in my memories. In these environments, what attracted me most was the drawings of human anatomy on the walls, which I stared at for a long time during each visit. My grandfather comes from a traditional Chinese medicine background. Chinese medicine originated from Taoism, which I have taken up in recent years.
Influences and references from each of these interests have informed my current project.
The heart is connected to the energy of fire and the mythical creature, the Vermilion Bird, in Taoist theory.
(Video duration: 00’16‘’)
3D printing
3D printing
The lung is believed to be connected to the energy of both metal and the mythical beast, the White Tiger, in Taoist theory.
(Video duration: 00’16‘’)
3D printing
3D printing
The liver is believed to be connected to the energy of wood and the mythical creature, the Chinese Dragon, in Taoist theory.
(Video duration: 00’16‘’)
3D printing
3D printing
The spleen is believed to be connected to the energy of earth and the mythical creature, the Phoenix, in Taoist theory.
(Video duration: 00’17‘’)
3D printing
3D printing
The kidneys are believed to be connected to the energy of water and the mythical creature, the White Deer, in Taoist theory.
(Video duration: 00’16‘’)
3D printing
3D printing
In this project, the nanorobots are utilized for client examinations, sampling, and organ replacements. I made a computer game, and here is a demo of the game where audiences can experience it.
(Video duration: 01’31‘’)
Video stills
Digital illustration - This is a visual representation of the nanorobot in the operating room.
Video duration: 02’03‘’
Video stills
New World Organ
“The only lasting truth Is Change.”
— Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower
In my version of the future, people have the option to choose to change themselves in order to adapt to harsh environments, be it alien planets, the seabed, or life underground. The role I have set for myself is that of a future Chinese biological scientist and organ plastic surgeon, a fiction that overlaps with my real identity. My new world organs are a fusion of Chinese medicine and a Taoist understanding of the human body, seeking balance with the universe’s energy as both these schools of thought encourage. This idea of human organism modification echoes that of the Shaper, a futuristic race of humans skilled in cross-species genetic engineering, from the science fiction novelette Swarm (1982) by Bruce Sterling.
The project may seem to transport us into a future realm. However, it serves as a poignant reminder that the obstacles we encounter are very much a part of our present existence. Taoism advocates the principles of equality and balance across all, placing importance on the interconnection between human beings, nature, and the universe, in contrast to the prevailing anthropocentrism concept. My project combines an anthropocentric approach with Taoist principles. It generates conflict and sardonicism to illuminate the inherent absurdity and contradictions within human beings.