Artist Statement
Malignant Landscape
We have attempted to express concerns about environmental issues by portraying microscopic
lung cancer cells. The circular composition gives the viewer the impression of looking
through a microscope and also through a telescope. While circular composition and
white space are representative of traditional Chinese aesthetics, the circle represents
the circular and cyclical movement and the flux that keeps revolving and starts all
over again. The round shape expresses the non-materialistic Chinese view of life,
and the inherent cyclical motion of their conception of life. According to Chinese
traditional philosophy, it is well known that Confucianism and Taoism advocate that
“man is an integral part of nature,” as they contemplate the natural relations between
people, heaven and earth and nature. These philosophies consider that man and nature
form a harmonious unity. Cancer cells are present in everyone’s body; they are part
of our body, just like humans are part of nature. So we decided to denominate cancer
cells, as seen through a microscope, since environmental pollution causes lung cancer.
The fundamental solution to environmental problems should be found in the way we look
at ourselves, in the same manner that we look at the relationship between the world
and human beings.

Press Release regarding the award