Dreaming Butterfly explores the interplay between reality and dream, inspired by a pivotal moment in my life in 2008 when I visited a contemporary art exhibition about "Dreaming Butterfly" in Shanghai. The exhibition illustrated the dialectical discussion between these two realms—reality and dream—as well as the evolving relationship between old China and new China. The exhibition sparked a deep, introspective response in me, as I became aware of how aesthetic values in China are constantly shifting with time, yet some intrinsic elements and characteristics remain unchanged. This tension between the eternal and the transient, the past and the future, became the core of my exploration in this project.

The butterfly, a symbol of transformation and transition, serves as the central motif throughout the work. Butterflies appear in various places, on the bare back, hands, head, and even the mouth, representing different stages of growth, change, and identity. Each butterfly reflects a unique aspect of the self—the wings suggest freedom, the body represents the vulnerability of change, and the butterfly’s delicate presence across these different spaces mirrors the fleeting nature of dreams and the constant evolution of identity.

In this project, the butterfly becomes both a symbol of inner transformation and a connector between different realms. Its presence on the back, a traditionally vulnerable part of the body, suggests the delicate weight of personal growth. The butterfly on the hands conveys the tension between control and surrender, as we navigate our lives between conscious decisions and unconscious impulses. Meanwhile, the butterflies on the head and mouth embody the intersection of thoughts and communication—how we articulate our reality and dreams, and how they intertwine with our identities.

The dreaming butterfly concept mirrors the relationship between old and new China, which has undergone tremendous change over time, yet still retains elements of its ancient roots. The butterflies scattered across the body symbolize the fluidity of tradition and the personal evolution of identity amidst cultural shifts. As I reflect on my experience at that moment in 2008, I felt an intense desire to express feelings through imagery, translating the complex dialogue between past and present, reality and dream, into something tangible and visual.

Dreaming Butterfly is not just an exploration of cultural transformation, but a visual journey through the continuous evolution of self, identity, and memory. The butterflies represent the transient nature of life, as well as the beauty of change, while encouraging a deeper reflection on how our personal dreams and cultural narratives shape and inform our ever-evolving sense of self.