Exhibition in Beijing contemplates thriving with diversity

The fashion designer and artist Ma Ke believes the meaning of the Earth, beyond providing for the existence of humankind, lies in being "the source and destiny" of lives. A deep emotional attachment to the Earth and concern for the fate of humankind are at the core of Ma Ke's body of creative work. Plus, one of the missions of her fashion house Wu Yong is the discovery, conservation and revival of Chinese folk arts and crafts, in which she sees intimate, harmonious relations between people and the land and nature that sustains them.

Ma's works, the collection of Wu Yong / the Earth, are clothing inspired by the rich traditions of folk costumes she has encountered over the years during extensive journeys across the country, especially to areas inhabited by ethnic groups.

Ma says the goal of making these works is to help viewers rediscover a simple, pure and genuine way of living, a life which has been lost to the high-paced pursuit of efficiency, as well as reconnect with a close, earnest link to lands maintained over centuries.