Instal lat ion Ar t Presentation of Tea Culture Symbols: A Case Study of the Installation of “Divinity and Naturality”

Abstract

As a significant component of China’s rich traditional heritage, tea culture has increasingly attracted scholarly and public interest in recent years. Contemporary artistic expressions of tea culture have become progressively diverse, encompassing tea ceremonies, spatial design, literature, painting, and digital media representations. However, artistic works related to tea often remain confined to the replication of physical objects and scenes. Notably, thematic installation art that seeks to interpret the deeper meanings embedded in tea culture remains relatively underexplored. This study undertakes an analysis of the aesthetic imagery inherent in tea culture and interprets its symbolic and spiritual dimensions through the lens of visual narrative. It articulates the thematic concept of “Avenue Nature” as a foundation for the creation of installation artworks. Using the “Divinity and Naturality” series as a case study, this paper investigates the conceptual development, material application, and presentation strategies employed in tea-themed installation art. This creative approach aims to stimulate deeper reflection on and appreciation for the cultural essence of tea. During the creative process, tea and tea extract are employed as symbolic materials. The integration of varied media and artistic techniques is used to express the philosophical principle of “Great Avenue Nature,” a core idea rooted in ancient Chinese tea traditions. The concept of “Avenue Nature” reflects a harmonious unity between humanity and the natural world, consistent with the tenets of Daoist and Buddhist philosophy. Within Daoism, this harmony is viewed as a structural alignment between the individual, society, and nature.