LibGuides: Architecture & History of Art: Where Shadows Linger

Where Shadows Linger: A Monochrome Journey through the Chinese Garden

18 February - 18 March 2025

Introduction

Where Shadows Linger: A Monochrome Journey through the Chinese Garden is a black-and-white photography exhibition exploring the aesthetic and philosophical depths of classical Chinese gardens. These landscapes, gathered from Beijing, Dongguan, and Macau, are spaces of illusion and contemplation—never to be seen in their entirety. Stripped of their original colour, the photographs distill the essence of these gardens, revealing the interplay between light and shadow, presence and absence, structure and void. This exhibition is not merely a visual presentation but a silent dialogue between Eastern aesthetics and the Eurocentric academic environment in which it is hosted.

The exhibition is the result of an intensive two-week curatorial process, during which the artist independently conceived, planned, designed, and executed the entire project. From securing the venue to conducting over 100 test prints and refining the exhibition poster through 60 revisions, every detail was meticulously crafted to achieve the final presentation. The display incorporates six different media, showcasing the artist’s dedication to both conceptual depth and technical precision.

Artist Introduction
Photo of the artist adjusting the lamp on the wall that lights the display of black and white photographs. Yin Huiyi 尹慧仪 is a Chinese artist whose photography investigates the dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and space. A graduate of Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London (BA Hons, 2021–2024), she is currently pursuing an MPhil in History of Art and Architecture at the University of Cambridge. Deeply influenced by traditional Chinese aesthetics, her work captures fleeting moments with an intuitive approach, bridging artistic expression and academic inquiry.