The Shape of Time

Prompted by the rapid deterioration of World Heritage sites like the Chinese Mogao Caves, Yan Qing Xu provokes reflection on human impact on the environment. Dating back to 336 AD, the caves still house the murals and sculptures of ancient artisans. However, strong sandy winds are slowly erasing the site. As a byproduct of human industrial activity, this destruction is further accelerated. In the last century, the caves’ disappearance sped up by 100 times. 'The Shape of Time' visualises the transformation of our surroundings through artificially eroded objects. Using sandblasting as a time accelerator, Yan simulates centuries of deterioration on various materials within hours. By bringing geological time into human scale, the project challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with materials and environmental change.