Yiwei Sun is a jewellery and object maker, from Beijing, China.
EDUCATION:
Jewellery and Metal (MA), Royal College of Art, 2021-2023
Art and Design (BA), Central Academy of Fine Arts, 2016-2020
Yiwei Sun
My work stems from a reflection on the relationship between the self and the external world.
Everything in the world vibrates at a constant frequency, when the self is interacting with the external world, sometimes we find that there is a strong vibration and energy exchange between us and other people, things, objects or concepts, there seems to be a deep connection between us and it makes us feel healed, that is where resonance arises.
Sound is the key to my work, as an extremely abstract and invisible form of existence is evidence of our interaction with the objective world, and at the same time, it strongly influences our lives, from the material to the spiritual. At the same time, my work is inextricably linked to shamanism, Zen, psychology and other elements related to healing.
The first piece is a candle holder with a string of pearls that look like melting candles and rings that can be worn and played with. It is more of an expression of the connection between the self and other things, more focused on the self and the inner world.
Medium:
Antique Metal containers | Springs | Pearls | SilkSize:
Variable
The second piece is a pair of wine glasses connected at the bottom by a string of pearls and in the cups just like wine. People would clink their glasses to express their relationship with each other, and it also symbolises the resonance between two similar things with similar frequencies, a one-to-one relationship.
Medium:
Antique Metal containers | Springs | Pearls | SilkSize:
Variable
The third piece is three jars, the strings of pearls connecting them can be moved from one jar to the other as if the contents of the jars were exchanged between them, they have similar parts but are actually different as if they were being discussed in a larger group relationship. Just like the intrinsic connections that exist between many people and things.
Medium:
Antique Metal containers | Springs | Pearls | Silk
In many cultures of the ancient East, people used sound in rituals to create a connection between people and their environment for healing purposes. And in ancient Chinese poetry, the scene of pearls falling onto a plate is often used as a metaphor for the Zen-like imagery of rain falling on lotus leaves and the beautiful sound, so I sought to simulate this visual and auditory sense of spirituality and healing to express my thoughts.
I have always tried to broaden the boundaries of jewellery and to explore more possibilities for objects. In this process, I tend to work by hand with old objects. I think that old objects, like people, have experienced time and have a connection with the world, they are not cold objects but warm beings, they seem to have their own characteristics, personalities and soul.
Each of these pieces is separate and interconnected, telling its story in small scenes within the same general theme. I have fitted them with suitable boxes and made little pillows for them as if they lie in them to add a sense of healing to echo the theme.