London-based Chinese artist Yilun Li, also known as Sasa, is reshaping the perception of wearable art. Through her innovative use of everyday materials, Li creates sculptural works that transcend their practical origins. Her latest piece, Tranquil Tides, exhibited at the Call It a Day exhibition at Lipont Gallery in Vancouver, exemplifies her distinctive approach, combining artistic expression with audience interpretation.
At the core of Tranquil Tides lies a thoughtful exploration of balance and imperfection. Inspired by the interaction between the ocean and wind-eroded rocks, the piece reflects harmony in opposites—movement and stillness, fluidity and solidity.
“In Tranquil Tides, I sought to convey the peace found in embracing life’s imperfections. Inspired by the ocean and yin-yang, it reflects harmony in opposites—movement and stillness. It’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and find balance in the world around us,” Li explains.
The wearable hand accessories, crafted in shades of blue and white, evoke the rhythm of ocean waves. However, their purpose is not confined to adornment. These intricate pieces encourage viewers to interpret their function—whether as sculptures, conceptual art, or objects for personal interaction. This open-mindedness aligns with contemporary art’s emphasis on fluid meaning shaped by individual perspectives.
Li’s work embodies a key principle of contemporary art: the process of creation and the dialogue it inspires often hold greater significance than practical use. Tranquil Tides was meticulously crafted from heat-shrink sheets, recycled plastics, fishing lines, and gel materials, with each component hand-shaped and assembled. This dedication to craftsmanship reinforces the work’s narrative focus, prioritizing artistic intent over functionality.
The ambiguity in Li’s pieces invites diverse interpretations, expanding their impact beyond the boundaries of wearable art. Some may see Tranquil Tides as a sculptural statement, others as a conceptual reflection, or even as a personal artefact. This interplay between the artist’s intent and audience perspective situates her work firmly within the contemporary art dialogue, where meaning is co-created and continually redefined. Li’s wearable art is as much about the audience’s engagement as it is about her craftsmanship. In Tranquil Tides, the suggestion of hand-wear is only one of many possibilities. This flexibility allows each viewer to bring their own narrative to the piece, echoing the contemporary art principle that meaning arises through collaboration between artist and audience.
At Lipont Gallery, Tranquil Tides was celebrated for its intricate detail and conceptual depth. Critics and audiences praised its ability to spark conversations about sustainability, creativity, and interconnectedness. The work demonstrates how wearable art can transcend its material form to provoke thought and emotional resonance. With Tranquil Tides, Yilun Li also illustrates the transformative potential of wearable art. Her practice consistently challenges conventional boundaries, turning everyday materials into meticulously crafted pieces that blend narrative, form, and audience interpretation. By inviting viewers to define the function and meaning of her work, she positions wearable art as a dynamic platform for storytelling and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Li’s commitment to redefining wearable art opens pathways for further exploration. Whether through experimenting with new materials, expanding the scale of her pieces, or deepening the interplay between concept and form, her evolving practice promises to continue reshaping how wearable art is understood within the broader context of contemporary art.
