THE CYCLE OF NATURE
(Two Chinese artists combine art and psychophysical well-being using ancient Eastern techniques)
The artistic workshop "The Cycle of Nature," led by Christy Xie and Stella Kaisaer, two multifaceted Chinese artists specializing in teaching art as a technique for mental and physical health and balance. Their artistic performance will be based on the Chinese philosophy of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), which serves as a metaphor for the relationship between humans and nature, emotional balance, and vital cycles.
The workshop integrates music, dance, painting, and tea ceremony in a multisensory journey to promote well-being, intercultural dialogue, and creativity, in line with UNESCO guidelines on art education.
Methodology and Objectives
The structure is based on guided multisensory activities, where each participant is a co-creator. The cycle follows the generative phases of the Five Elements:
Wood → Fire, with breathing exercises, Erhu music, and drawings inspired by growth.
Fire→Earth, Uyghur dance to release energy, transforming it into stability through gestures and physical contact.
Earth→Metal, collective creation of a "Great Map" on paper/canvas, with bodily traces and the use of paints and gold acrylic.
Metal→Water, passing of ethnic jewelry, application of gold stickers, tea ceremony with soft lighting.
Water→Wood, meditation on the fluidity of water, breathing exercises, vocal layering, body movements, and concluding with the collective sharing of the Map.
Materials and Intended Uses
The workshop uses traditional musical instruments (erhu, guzheng, handpan, Orff), art materials (paper, paints, acrylic, scarves), and visual aids. It is designed for a diverse audience, with no prior artistic experience required, and aims to promote relaxation, emotional expression, the participatory creation of the Map of the Five Elements, and the promotion of cultural exchange between Italy and China.
In short, the project transforms the Eastern philosophy of the Five Elements into concrete practice, combining education, art, and interculturality to foster well-being and collective creativity.
