Hsin’s illustration practice occupies multiple formats, with drawing at its core. Her landscape-stagescape images shuttle between the observed and the imagined. She explores the uncertainty of pre-, pan- and post-pandemic life — with a spirit of adventure, connected to nature. Before Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art, she studied Law at Providence University.
Hsin-I Shao
This collection of illustrations is a poetic inquiry into my spiritual wanderings and observations of nature, embodying the Chinese mythological concept of ‘visionary journeys’.
Each scenic depiction is fantastical, yet simultaneously expresses an atmosphere of alienation also seen in cinema and photography.
The hesitation and confusion of growing up. The powerlessness from nowhere. All doubts have been reflected in the scenes depicted. Yet — hidden in this absurd journey — I am free to immerse myself. I naturally integrate into it, becoming an inconspicuous splash in the universal torrent. The whole of nature seems to be a hazy, huge living body.
In the distance, there is a vast flying creature.
It is constantly moving, looking for something on its journey.
But no one knew what it was looking for.
It just kept flying, passing land after land of no name.
Longing for –
A treasure?
A shelter?
A utopia?
A burial place?
Look.
Everywhere is wasteland.
Everything is vast, hazy.
Everything is chaotic.
Everything is not what it could be.
We all know the end.
But so gratifying to keep flying and flying,
Reaching the next unknown.
Size:
30cm x 84 cm
What kinds of world do we dream? Maybe daily trivia and fictitious memories are entangled and present in the consciousness. Through this series of images, I have recorded hazy moments and fragmented memories. 'Close your eyes, take a deep breath and have a sweet dream. Good night!'
Medium:
Drawing
Individuals will constantly question themselves during the process of creation. What kind of creative path should I embark upon? Undoubtedly we will go through struggles and hesitations. But in this ever-changing time and space – we can listen to our inner voice, seek out our core and peek at the truth.
Medium:
Drawing
We will say goodbye to all.
The past, the present, and the future.
We wobbled, swayed, and then set off again towards the end.
It's all just the dust in the wind.
This body of illustrations is rooted in my personal experience of the past two years, grown into a broader narrative. An anonymous escapist embarks on an adventure, flying to different places with no motive and no idea where it is going. It is an escape. And a farewell to me.
Longing for possibility. Observing, feeling, destroying and rebuilding. Disorderly drifting in imaginary space, looking for fleeting beauty. Seeking a fusion of external and internal imagery. Resonating with the spirits.