Shiyue Lin

Balanced Yin and Yang

In all things, yin and yang are constantly transformed to form three different states.

““Yin and Yang is a profoundly ingrained concept in Chinese philosophy that is frequently employed to delineate the principle of unity of polarities and perpetual flux in all aspects of the universe. In addition to providing an explanation for the natural world, this philosophy is deeply ingrained in the social culture and conduct of the Chinese people, constituting an integral part of their daily lives and thought processes.Meanwhile, Chinese calligraphy, embodying a millennium-long cultural heritage, employs dynamic equilibrium and the unity of Yin and Yang as aesthetic concepts communicated via line treatment, ink coloration, structure, and mood. This artistic expression underscores the profound impact that Yin and Yang philosophy has had on the art of calligraphy.According to the Yin and Yang doctrine, all phenomena in the universe are the result of the interplay and transformation of the two fundamental forces of Yin and Yang. The article "The Mandarin Meaning of Yin Yang" demonstrates that Yin is commonly linked to qualities including coldness, stillness, softness, darkness, and downward and inward. Symbols of Yin in nature include the moon, water, and women. Yang is commonly linked to characteristics including heat, movement, rigidity, brightness, rising, and outward facing. The sun, fire, males, and so forth, are then regarded as Yang symbols. Yin and Yang are interdependent and transformative forces; they are not mere opposites; one cannot exist in isolation from the other. The concept of Yin and Yang is fundamental and all-encompassing in Chinese philosophy and culture, offering a singular perspective on existence and the world. By examining the concepts of Yin and Yang, one can discern the Chinese cultural emphasis on the values of harmony, balance, and dynamic change.In light of the calligraphic stroke-inspired design, I resolved to design three wearable pieces in total. Each of these three states—Yin more than Yang, Yang more than Yin, and Yin and Yang in balance—is represented by one of the three, and they are all in a perpetual state of flux. By way of this design, I intend to demonstrate the aesthetic appeal of calligraphy and impart the audience with the traditional Chinese theory of Yin and Yang.””