Emma Camps

Zhīlán Was Born in the Forest

Photomontage on canvas

6 x 8”

2023

$45

“This photomontage interprets and contains two lines of poetry by Confucius about the Four Noble Ones of Chinese Painting tradition, each of which is a plant personified as a gentleman of specific virtues. Zhīlán refers to the orchid who is revered for his ability to survive of harsh conditions and his dedication to beauty in the absence of praise. The work explores this by calling upon motifs of Chinese painting tradition by incorporating written poetry on symmetrical scrolls, wood and botanical textures, as well as illustrated patterns and shapes derived from decorative Hóng Bāo envelopes.”