PACKAGED MEAT
Artist: Lingyi Hong
Curated by Anastasiia Chaikovskaia
The element of “meat” runs through the entire history of human civilization —from 2.6 million years ago, when humans first began to consume meat, to the formation of the word “meat” within the languages and cultures across the world. Under the influence of commerce and industry, meat has become part of a mass production system—from farms to supermarkets to dining tables, and now to the development of artificial meat. Yet we may ask: what kind of meat will we consume in the future?
In this series of works, the various forms of “meat” represent not only a consumable source of food, or a fundamental means of energy for humankind throughout history, butalso carry distinct cultural meanings. On a higher level—philosophical and religious—the concept of “meat” seems to possess a universal nature that transcends individual contexts.
Through the language of art, the artist explores the multi-layered meanings of meat within human society: from basic dietary habits to cultural diversity, from science to philosophy and religion.Theinspiration for this series originates from the artist’s personal emotional release and self-exploration, as well as her reflection on human society. At the same time, she hopes to provoke deeper contemplation within the audience—about society, and about the inner self.
