Copper-Cultivated Universe Research
Daishi Luo
2023
Brass, copper, growth samples, experimental samples, lenses, LED light panels, polymer materials, Petri dishes, beakers,pen, stainless steel, Wooden tabletop
H 70 cm x W 180 cm x D 10 cmSculpture - installation

Copper-Cultivated Universe Research is a sculptural installation that delves into the transformation of matter and energy, and the interplay between micro and macro structures. Drawing inspiration from the artist’s own studio—a living laboratory of creative experimentation—the piece abstracts everyday elements from the workspace (such as desks, experimental data, equipment, pens, labels, and plaques) into a metaphorical “window.” This invites the viewer to step into a dynamic universe through a first-person perspective.
 

In this work, copper is more than just a primary medium—it serves as a metaphor connecting the past, present, and future. By harnessing the interactions between metal oxidation and polymer materials, the artist creates a controlled yet energetically autonomous environment where materials “self-grow” within a set framework. This process evokes a narrative that spans from ancient alchemical practices to modern technological innovations.
 

The installation profoundly explores themes of material growth, energy flow, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. It challenges traditional modes of creation by proposing a future co-authored by both humanity and the materials we work with. More than a mere documentation of an experimental state, the work poses an enduring inquiry into the mysteries of the universe and personal existence. It transforms the viewer into a momentary “alchemist,” experiencing firsthand the trans-temporal rhythm of energy in motion.