Become a My Ocula member for exclusive access to contemporary art and personalised artist recommendations.
Join Us Sign In
The Art World in Focus
Clear
Han Mengyun

HAN MENGYUN

Splinters of Jade 玉屑集 A Thousand Plateaus Art Space 26 April–9 June 2019 Chengdu
Overview Artworks Location
Request Prices & Availability
Press Release

Han Mengyun’s studies of Sanskrit and Buddhism as well as Buddhist art led her to reading archaeological reports of excavations on Buddhist sites in abundance, especially those of the British archaeologist Aurel Stein. What we generally encounter in these reports are pieces of broken pots, strips of floral textiles, headless Buddhas, armless Bodhisattvas, or the bodiless beings. Their beauty, however defaced by the atrocity of time, retains the aura even in their own fragmentation. The remnants of time attest to the Buddhist idea of impermanence:

Just like a clay vessel

Made by a potter

Each life of a mortal

Ends in breaking.

(Impermanence. Book I, Udānavarga).

The title comes from Shiren Yuxie 诗人玉屑（Jade Splinters of the Poets [on the valuable gleanings about poetry] by Wei Qingzhi 魏庆之(1240–1244) , serving as an emphasis of Han’s appreciation of fragmented ideas, artifacts, identities and histories.

Included in the exhibition are sūtras, treatises, and poems chosen by both the artist herself and Professor Mattia Salvini of Buddhist Studies at Mahidol University. According to Professor Salvini, the association between image and text is at times a direct impression of the face of a Bodhisattva that recalls certain verses on compassion, whereas in other instances, the match with an image highlights the paradox and natural harmony of the two truths, as expressed in the text: the ultimate Three Jewels are not within the range of perception or mind—thus, here we are, placing this wisdom, in words, next to visual manifestations of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

The text and images placed within a meticulously designed space suggesting various routes of viewing will present the depth and vastness of the Buddhist view both artistically, philosophically and experientially.

Read More

Installation Views

About the Artist

Han Mengyun is an interdisciplinary artist whose work seeks alternative discourses to Western traditions, most notably by incorporating poems and text.

View Artist Profile

Also Exhibiting at A Thousand Plateaus Art Space

All Exhibitions
Chen Qiulin
CHEN QIULIN Heartland A Thousand Plateaus Art Space 30 May–30 August 2026 Chengdu
About the Gallery

A Thousand Plateaus Art Space was founded in 2007 in Chengdu, China. It is a professional gallery committed to present and promote China’s contemporary art. Equipped with exhibition hall for artworks and collection and screening room for video data, it is mainly on researching, presenting and promoting outstanding works and experimental projects of China’s contemporary art and culture, actively carries out domestic and international cooperation projects.

View Gallery Profile
Address
South Square
Tiexiang Temple Riverfront
Shengbang St., High-tech District
Chengdu
China
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10:30am – 6:30pm

Closed Monday
(1)
Chengdu South Square, Tiexiang Temple Riverfront
A Thousand Plateaus Art Space contemporary art gallery in Chengdu China
A Thousand Plateaus Art Space
South Square, Tiexiang Temple Riverfront, Shengbang St., High-tech District, Chengdu, China
+86 28 8512 6358
http://www.1000plateaus.org

Opening hours
Tuesday – Sunday
10:30am – 6:30pm

Closed Monday
Magazine Gallery Platform Advisory
Ocula Magazine

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.

Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.

 Learn more about Ocula Magazine Learn more about Ocula Magazine Ocula Gallery Platform

Showcasing the best of the art world.

Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.

 Learn more about Ocula Membership Learn more about Ocula Membership Ocula Advisory

Specialises in the sale of major artworks.

Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.

 Learn more about our team and services Learn more about Ocula Advisory
The art world in focus