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Promoting Ecological Responsibility

In the upcoming exhibition, artist Zheng Bo facilitates a collection of activities designed to encourage attendees to expand their worldview, steering away from a human-centric emphasis.

, and Administrator

2025 September 4 . 5:07 AM

2 min read

Promoting Ecological Responsibility

In the heart of Berlin, the Gropius Bau is hosting an exhibition that encourages visitors to reconsider their relationship with nature. Titled 'Wanwu Council 萬物社', the exhibition is a celebration of life in all its forms, inspired by the Daoist notion of wanwu, meaning "ten thousand things" or "myriad happenings".

The exhibition is the brainchild of artist Zheng Bo, who has been working with plants in his socially engaged art practice since 2013. His Ecosensibility Exercises are designed to deepen individuals' awareness and sensitivity towards the environment, fostering a stronger, more empathetic connection with nature.

The exercises, which include 'Collecting Tree Qi', 'Drinking Sun Exercise', and 'Drawing Weeds Practice', are not difficult to learn but require regular practice. Zheng Bo's Ecosensibility Exercises aim to help visitors sense and respect the natural forms of life that surround them. Participating in these exercises can lead to a realisation of how other species live and the importance of coexistence.

One of the Ecosensibility Exercises, 'Collecting Tree Qi', is inspired by a Japanese ritual that honours trees. By engaging in these mindful and sensory-focused activities, participants develop a heightened perception of natural surroundings, noticing subtle details and rhythms in ecosystems that often go overlooked. This enhanced environmental awareness can encourage sustainable behaviours and promote interconnectedness, fostering a worldview that values balance and coexistence rather than dominance over nature.

The exercises also cultivate empathy towards non-human life, encouraging an emotional and cognitive connection with other species, and recognising their roles, needs, and intrinsic value beyond utilitarian purposes. This emotional connection can reduce stress and create a sense of harmony that supports ongoing environmental stewardship.

Zheng Bo's ideology emphasises the importance of changing sensibilities alongside ideology for a transformation. He believes that being attuned to nature isn't just about fighting ecological crises, but also enriching the quality of life. His art projects are gardens that grow over time, symbolising self-cultivation.

Collectively, if we don't change our ways, we are on the path to extinction. That's why it's crucial for humans to rethink their place in the world, as Zheng Bo believes. His Ecosensibility Exercises serve as a bridge between humans and the natural world, encouraging a more compassionate, attentive, and sustainable relationship that honours the diversity of life on Earth.

The video instructions for Zheng Bo's Ecosensibility Exercises are available online, allowing visitors who can't make it to Berlin to still participate in the transformative practices. The exhibition, 'Wanwu Council 萬物社', is on show until August 23. Don't miss this opportunity to rethink human-centric perspectives and envision a more equitable coexistence between all species on Earth.