MLitt Fine Art Practice School of Fine Art

Yihao Li

Yihao Li is a visual artist and researcher in Glasgow, UK. His practice spans drawing, sculpture, and installation art, focusing on East Asian art, Orientalism, and fascination with the interplay between form and material. Start with a question on the physicality and materiality of sculpture, which necessarily invoke bodily relations. His work employs various materials to interpret and translate the concept of the absent body within the realm of pre-empirical knowledge. He articulates a symbiotic relationship between form, materiality, and cultural identity as a testament to the ongoing exploration of artistic expression and the complexities of human existence.

Contact
leonardlee0730@outlook.com
Y.Li39@student.gsa.ac.uk
@leonardlee0730
Works
Body as Landscape
Don’t Look Back
Untitled (Intestines)
Untitled (Somatic Circuit)
Untitled (Symbiosis)

Body as Landscape

This sculpture demonstrates an intricate balance between structure, tension, and abstraction, metaphorically representing the human body’s interplay with architectural forms. The composition primarily uses wooden elements arranged in a seemingly precarious but meticulously balanced manner, invoking a sense of fragility and instability. These wooden beams, connected by taut strings, create a network of tension that suggests the delicate equilibrium that sustains both physical and conceptual frameworks.

The work explores the relationship between stability and instability in physical structures and broader metaphorical contexts. The work can be interpreted as a commentary on the precariousness of the human condition, where balance is constantly maintained through tension and careful positioning. The intersecting wooden beams can symbolise human relationships, social constructs, or even the body’s internal workings, where every part plays a crucial role in maintaining overall balance. The strings, representing connective tissue or lines of communication, add to this metaphor, emphasising the interconnectedness of all components. The tension in the strings may suggest the fragility of these connections, where a single break could lead to collapse—be it physical, emotional, or social.

Don’t Look Back

The story begins with a crumpled paper ball blown into the house out of nowhere by a breeze. The protagonist (played by a ball of yarn), who had been living in a monochrome world, accidentally picked it up and found out that it was a colourful leaflet of a carnival…

Don't Look Back

Untitled (Intestines)

“Untitled (Intestines)” is a dynamic exploration of form, movement, and spatial interaction, reflecting the intricate and organic nature suggested by its title. The piece challenges traditional boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional art and uses sleek metallic coils, angular wooden elements, and a minimalist colour palette.

The intertwining aluminium curves evoke the complexity of intestinal pathways, inviting the viewer’s eye to trace their unpredictable journey, reminiscent of the internal labyrinth within the human body. This kinetic structure appears to defy gravity, creating a suspended, almost weightless effect. The juxtaposition of rigid geometric shapes with the fluidity of the metal suggests a dialogue between order and chaos, structure and spontaneity, mirroring the balance of bodily functions. Including black accents adds depth and contrast, grounding the piece while enhancing its overall visual impact. Mounted on a stark white background, the artwork stands out as a focal point, urging contemplation and interaction. The mixed use of artificial and natural materials connects the piece to the tangible world, while its abstract form pushes the boundaries of imagination.

Untitled (Intestines)

For Sale: £500

Untitled (Somatic Circuit)

“Untitled (Somatic Circuit)” presents a complex and evocative installation that bridges the intersection of anatomy, material literacy, and conceptual exploration. The assemblage of materials—including organic elements, mechanical components, and digital elements—creates a compelling narrative about the human body, its cultural representations, and the intricate interplay between nature and technology.

The installation features a striking juxtaposition of natural and industrial materials. The organic forms, such as branches and bones, contrast sharply with the mechanical parts, like bicycle wheels and digital monitors. This contrast emphasises the tension between nature and technology and invites viewers to reflect on the body’s place within these realms. Incorporating anatomical structures, such as the spine and pelvis, rendered in transparent or semi-opaque materials evokes a sense of fragility and transparency. These elements are strategically placed within the installation, allowing the viewer to navigate around them, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The viewer’s movement becomes part of the work, engaging with the physicality of the materials and the space.

Untitled (Somatic Circuit)

For Sale: £3000

Untitled (Symbiosis)

“Untitled (Symbiosis)” explores organic and mechanical elements, merging them into a singular, striking form. The work’s central feature—a spine-like structure composed of dark, textured materials—evokes a powerful sense of fragility and resilience. The organic appearance of this structure, combined with the wires that cascade from its base, suggests a connection between natural forms and technological interfaces, creating a dialogue between the body and the machine.

The spine-like form’s rough, almost visceral texture contrasts sharply with the smoothness of the wires and the tripod stand. This contrast emphasises the work’s dual nature—organic versus mechanical—and invites the viewer to reflect on the relationships between the human body and the synthetic extensions of our reality. The use of wires suggests neural pathways or technological conduits, further enhancing the idea of a hybrid organism that transcends traditional boundaries. The dispersed elements at the structure’s base, resembling scattered fragments or remnants, add a sense of disintegration or breakdown, hinting at the impermanence and vulnerability of both biological and technological systems. This fragmentation can be seen as a commentary on the decay inherent in all systems, whether organic or artificial and the inevitable entropy that affects all forms.

The sculpture’s form, resembling a spine or vertebral column, immediately draws the viewer’s thoughts to the human body. However, its exaggerated curvature and the unnatural extension of wires transform it into something otherworldly, almost alien. This transformation suggests a more profound commentary on the evolution of the human body in response to technological advancements—how we are increasingly becoming cyborgs, integrating machines into our very being. The work can be interpreted as a reflection on the fragility of the human condition, particularly in the face of advancing technology. It raises questions about what it means to be human in an age where the lines between organic and artificial are increasingly blurred. The spine, traditionally seen as a symbol of strength and support, becomes a conduit for technological manipulation, suggesting how our fundamental human characteristics are being altered or controlled by external forces.

Untitled (Symbiosis)

For Sale: £500