Shihui Li

Human activity has caused significant damage to animal habitats, pushing countless wild species toward extinction. My work, "Sweet Price," seeks to provoke thought, discussion, and action on this urgent issue, particularly highlighting those species that have been driven to extinction by human consumption. To convey this message, I have chosen sugar painting—a traditional Chinese folk art —as my medium, allowing me to blend taste and visual experience into a unique and engaging art form. The act of caramel dissolving in the mouth mirrors the irreversible disappearance of these animals, whose existence cannot be restored once lost. This ephemeral process powerfully symbolizes the fragility of life and the permanent impact of human actions. By juxtaposing this rare, intangible cultural heritage with imagery of extinct animals, my work provides a poignant commentary on both the extinction of species and the fading of cultural traditions. In an age where mass production and digital media dominate, "Sweet Price" stands as a handmade, sensory experience that connects the past with the present, urging the audience to reflect on the delicate balance between creation and destruction. It serves as a reminder of the treasures—both natural and cultural—that we risk losing.