Runtian Zhang

The concepts of nostalgia and memory as an emotion-releasing catharsis is the subject of these works. According to psychological theory, nostalgia may help people to alleviate the negative emotions, to a certain extent. Taking traditional herbs, I created jewelry pieces with herbal smells that can evoke childhood memories, based on the physiological mechanism of smell triggering memory. A series of animal and natural figures were created based on herbs, childhood doodles on the wall of an old house and a stuffed bear. In addition, I made wax strings using traditional methods, to create a poetic, shady, fragmental and wabi-sabi sensation.

From my perspective, jewellery is a free expression of art, which can be leveraged as a medium to assist me in narrating stories to resonate with audiences. As a maker, I strive to exhibit my identity and subvert outdated stereotypes by innovating based on traditions. I wish to convey the concept of nostalgia and memory to audiences, using my work as an emotion-releasing catharsis. In my critical journal, I analyse and explore the challenges associated with sustainability, such as over-consumption and environmental protection, with regard to making, purchasing and collecting jewellery. I then explore the impact of sustainable development on my studio work. Eventually, by means of the analysis and research on nostalgic psychology, I outline the way I apply the concept of sustainability to my expression of memory, nostalgia and cure.