Introduction to the "SOLE" Project
Yiyuan Bai, an innovative conceptual artist, introduces her latest project, "SOLE_相愈," a thought-provoking exploration of biomaterials and herbal medicine. This project combines artistry and sustainability by using natural materials to create functional bioproducts. Bai's work not only reflects a deep understanding of the medicinal properties of herbs and emphasizes the need for sustainable design in contemporary art but also illustrates how much health coincides with our physical environment.
Meaning Behind "SOLE"
The project "SOLE" derives its name from the Chinese character 相愈, which conveys notions of mutual healing and recovery. Bai's work embodies the dual functions of artistic expression and healing. The pieces are crafted to address dermatological conditions, specifically Tinea Manuum, a fungal infection of the hands. By merging art with the therapeutic properties of herbal materials, Bai provides a unique commentary on the intersection of wellness and aesthetics.
Materials and Techniques Used
Yiyuan Bai employs a range of biodegradable and recyclable materials in her creations, including herbal medicines such as Pogostemon Cablin and Herba Eupatorii, aquafaba (a liquid from cooked beans), and seaweed flour. These materials were chosen for their natural healing properties, particularly their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects, which are integral to the project's concept. The project features a variety of pieces with different dimensions, each crafted meticulously to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Size：9.5*9.5cm ( circle piece ), 20*8*0.3cm ( brown & yellow pieces )
Medium：Herbal medicines ( Pogostemon Cablin, Herba Eupatoriican ), aquafaba ( liquid from cooked beans ), seaweed, flour, etc
Price：10 £ / per circle piece ( brown ); 20 £ per circle piece ( yellow )
Price：20 £ / per brown piece
Price：30 £ / per yellow piece
Significance of the Artwork
"SOLE" is more than just an art project; it is a stainable solution designed to provoke thought and encourage new interpretations of healing and medicine. The pieces are designed to be worn on the skin, promoting not only aesthetic pleasure but also medicinal benefits. The gloves and other wearable items can be used to soothe the skin, reduce anxiety through calming scents, and even prevent bacterial growth when mixed with water. This dual-purpose design challenges the viewer to reconsider the potential uses of everyday objects and encourages sustainable practices in their daily lives.
Size：37*17*0.3cm, 27*16*0.3cm
Medium：Herbal medicines ( Pogostemon Cablin, Herba Eupatoriican ), aquafaba ( liquid from cooked beans ), seaweed, flour, etc
Price: 100 £ / per small piece
Price: 200 £ / per big piece
A Commentary on Sustainability and Wellness
Bai's project powerfully comments on the importance of sustainable design. By using recyclable and biodegradable materials, she advocates for a shift away from conventional materials that contribute to environmental degradation. Additionally, Bai's use of herbal medicines underscores the importance of natural remedies and holistic healing practices. Her work prompts viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider how sustainable practices can be incorporated into their own lives.
Size：19*9*4cm
Medium：Herbal medicines ( Pogostemon Cablin, Herba Eupatoriican ), aquafaba ( liquid from cooked beans ), seaweed, flour, etc
Price：500 £ / per piece
Conclusion: An Innovative Approach to Art and Healing
Yiyuan Bai's "SOLE" project is a groundbreaking work that combines innovative design, sustainable materials, and a deep understanding of herbal medicine. Through her art, Bai not only creates beautiful and functional objects but also conveys a powerful message about the importance of sustainability and holistic wellness. The project stands as a testament to the potential of art to drive meaningful change and inspire a more thoughtful and sustainable future.
By exploring new materials and techniques, Bai's work pushes the boundaries of contemporary art, offering a fresh perspective on how art can engage with pressing social and environmental issues. "SOLE" invites audiences to engage with its healing properties and reconsider the possibilities of art as a medium for both aesthetic enjoyment and practical application.
About the Artist: Yiyuan Bai
Yiyuan Bai is an interdisciplinary material designer and artist specializing in sustainable design and biodesign. She holds a Master's degree in Textiles from the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, where she developed her expertise in creating sustainable materials from natural sources such as herbal medicines, beans, seaweed, and other biodegradable ingredients. Her innovative approach to design combines art with functionality, often exploring themes of environmental sustainability, wellness, and the intersection of nature and technology.
Bai’s educational background also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Drama, Film, and Television Art Design with a focus on Costume Design from Sichuan Film and Television University in China. Her unique blend of artistic and scientific inquiry has garnered her numerous accolades, including the Supreme Gold Award at the Global HUA Design Award and a Silver Award at the Japan Concept Art Design Awards in 2024. Bai has exhibited her work internationally, including at the Louvre in France, the London Design Festival, and various other venues across Europe and Asia.
In addition to her artistic practice, Yiyuan Bai is also an educator and researcher. She has taught at institutions such as ACG International Art Education in Guangzhou and served as a research assistant and project associate at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of material innovation but also serves as a call to action for sustainable practices in art and design. Bai continues to explore the potential of natural materials, aiming to create works that inspire empathy for the environment and promote holistic wellness.
To learn more about Yiyuan Bai and her projects, visit her website, follow her on Instagram @irena_abai, or check out her Green Project Award Nomination for her "SOLE" project.
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