Non-Natural

In an era dominated by digital connectivity and a growing disconnection from the natural environment, Sage Culture Gallery proudly presents "Non-Natural," an online exhibition that proposes a Philosophical dialogue concerning the nuanced interplay between artistic media and human perceptions of the natural world.

The exhibition explores the abstract and intangible elements of artistic creativity, emphasizing conceptual aspects such as originality and expression that precede technique and media. Highlighting the abstract aspects of human complexity within philosophical thought, "Non-Natural" embraces Non-Naturalism—a philosophical perspective that seeks to understand human nature across metaphysical, moral, and aesthetic dimensions, contrasting sharply with the reductionist thought prevalent in modern science and technology. 

"Non-Natural" features carefully selected works by four artists working across distinctive media. Karin Waskiewicz blends carving techniques by layering acrylic paint to create textured paintings inspired by natural landscapes. Xuebing Du captures botanical elements through photography, focusing on texture, light, and color, merging Pictorialism with old master still-life compositions. Alex Fischer integrates digital and natural elements, inspired by Fluxus and Nouveau Réalisme, to explore the authenticity of digital interactions. Finally, Prof. Andrew Parker's Pure Structural Colour® artworks use nanotechnology to produce vibrant, pigment-free colors, a cutting-edge invention from his three decades of experience in the academic and scientific fields, inspired by the vivid structural colors found in nature.

By showcasing contemporary artists who navigate these complex themes, Sage Culture Gallery promotes a critical examination of the non-natural as a natural extension of human creativity. The exhibition explores how these artistic expressions shape and are shaped by our cultural and societal contexts.

In today's fast-transforming world, technical development is deeply rooted in scientific rigor, influenced by Empiricism, Rationalism, Naturalism, and Positivism, emphasizing observation, reason, and empirical evidence. This foundation requires a robust ethical framework to navigate arising complexities. 

Contrary to empirical and rational philosophies that focus on measurable features, "non-natural" aspects of humanity, such as art and human complexity, remain abstract and cannot be fully captured by technology. Non-natural aspects transcend the measurable, defying technology's binary nature.

"Non-Natural" invites viewers to contemplate the role of artistic media, from traditional materials to modern technologies, in shaping the creation and perception of art, cultural transformations, and our relationship with nature. While advancements in science and technology, especially AI, with their inherent mathematical constraints, challenge our understanding of human complexity, non-naturalistic philosophy emphasizes abstract properties and aesthetic values beyond scientific explanation, contrasting with naturalism and its rationalist currents that focus on the observable and empirical. 

The exhibition highlights the role of art in expressing spiritual freedom and human complexity. These concepts are abstract and intuitively understood, going beyond ordinary reality and emphasizing the significance of non-material qualities in our aesthetic experience.

The "Non-Natural" exhibition embodies Sage Culture Gallery's mission to explore the intricate relationship between art, nature, and technology. The exhibition challenges traditional boundaries and fosters a deeper understanding of perception and aesthetics by featuring artists who utilize diverse media to reimagine our connection to the natural world. Each artist's work reflects a unique approach to observing and interpreting natural phenomena, emphasizing the significance of nonmaterial qualities in our aesthetic experience. Through this exhibition, Sage Culture Gallery continues its commitment to addressing environmental impact and the evolving role of art in a digital age, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound and often intangible connections that define our existence.