From June 28 to July 3, 2025, at the “True Self” thematic exhibition hosted at THE BLANC Art Space, Chinese emerging textile artist Peiyang Li attracted audience attention with her distinctive ecological art approach. The exhibition, curated by independent curator Ziying Gai, was described as an interdisciplinary artistic event centered on identity, vulnerability, and self-reconstruction in the era of performance. It aimed to offer a space for varied artistic voices and personal narratives. Ziying Gai expressed her support and appreciation for Peiyang Li’s artistic development, noting her evolving vision and creative direction. The event also introduced an art business incubation program intended to assist emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs through mentorship, financial planning, and guidance for integrating creative goals with sustainable practice.

As an artist with a presence in both Shenzhen and New York, Peiyang Li is contributing to broader recognition of contemporary Chinese art on international platforms. She was recognized by the French Fashion Awards for her “Live Sashimi x Aqin” (Fresh Sushi) series—an international event that honors innovative fashion concepts and compelling storytelling. Peiyang Li’s work was noted by the judges for its unique integration of fashion aesthetics with ecological messaging, reflecting her creative perspective and dedication to embedding environmental themes within her designs.

Peiyang Li’s creative inspiration stems from the in-depth research conducted by Chinese nuclear radiation experts before the Fukushima nuclear disaster. She combines traditional textile craftsmanship with modern cutting-edge technology to create a series of visually striking installation artworks. In the “True Self” exhibition, the “Nuclear Waste · Mutated Creatures” series—particularly the “Medusa Octopus” piece—was especially captivating. This work uses wool yarn, metal wire, and other materials, combined with 3D printing technology, to create a shocking representation of a mutated marine creature. It profoundly explores humanity’s deep fear of the unknown and the potential chain reactions that human behavior may trigger in the ecosystem. Many of Peiyang Li’s designs are inspired by rich stories collected during professional astrology consultations, heavily influenced by both Eastern and Western philosophical thoughts. She excels in using diverse textile art techniques to weave delicate narratives that provoke deep reflection on ethical issues, especially those societal topics that, though ever-present around us, are often left unspoken.

It is worth mentioning that Peiyang Li has consistently adhered to ecological principles in her material choices, using a large amount of recycled fibers, natural dyes, and other environmentally friendly materials in her creations. She believes that art should not come at the expense of the environment, and each thread she uses carries a sense of reverence for nature and a pursuit of sustainable development. This approach of integrating environmental practices into artistic creation not only adds depth and warmth to her works but also provides a highly valuable example of how contemporary art can respond to ecological issues.

The new works exhibited continue her consistent artistic style, deeply exploring the potential impact of nuclear pollution on the marine ecosystem and prompting viewers to reflect profoundly on human behavior. This series of works is not only a stunning display of fashion aesthetics but also a thought-provoking artistic creation designed to spark widespread discussions, challenge traditional ideas, and encourage people to think deeply about the complex and subtle connections that bind all life together. At the exhibition, Peiyang Li explained the thoughts behind her creations to the audience: “I hope to lead people to reassess and reflect on the profound relationship between humans and nature through the soft yet resilient medium of textile art. Every knot, every weave, contains the unspoken subtle connections and far-reaching significance within the ecosystem.”