cheng.xu: March 2008

This was my hsc major work for textiles and design. It was inspired by my recent trip to China so I have used various materials and techniques to portray the manmade and natural landscapes. The Great Wall, Terricotta Warriors, Dragon Boats, Pearl Tower, bamboos and other native flora have been incorporated into the work. I spent a good 9 months on this project experimenting, cutting up fabric, breaking needles and spilling beads so I can safely say this is the best piece of creative work I've done in high school.

This is the entrance (Sibyl's Corridor) to Sibyl's cave located at Napoli. When I walked through I was fascinated by the light and dark patterns creating a sense of mystery. The shape of the structure was also interesting, especially with the endless tunnelling affect. It's an example of funerary architecture inspired by Creto-Mycenean tombs where Apollo's prophetic priestess is apparently located。It's dimensions are 131.50 m x 2.40 m x 5 m with a high gallery (dromos), trapezoidally shaped and lighted by six side slits. It opens into a vaulted chamber where Sibyl rendered her oracles. I've always been amazed at how monuments built millions of years ago still remain standing or particially standing. I'd sometimes imagine what it would be like to live that long; through the stone age, watch real gladiatorial games (not the Hollywood version), witness world wars. My own life just seems so bleak when returning from these day dreams ...