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In the rapid development of modern technology, synthetic biology, as a new interdisciplinary field, brings us infinite possibilities. As a country with a long history and rich cultural heritage, Chinese traditional culture contains profound wisdom and values. Therefore, we decided to take advantage of our location in Xi 'an, the ancient capital of the thirteen Dynasties, to visit the craftsmen of intangible cultural inheritance. We combine the concepts of synthetic biology with the symbols and images of traditional culture, to create unique and cultural works of art and scientific innovation products, and to promote scientific innovation while inheriting and carrying forward the cultural essence of the Chinese nation.
On August 9th, we visited Master Guo Ming, a paper-cutting craftsman, and co-created a series of unique biologically-themed paper-cutting works.
Master Guo is designing the paper cutout DNA paper-cut modeling
During the creation process, we communicated the biological concepts represented by each paper-cutting work in detail, hoping to help viewers better understand the principles and applications of synthetic biology through paper cuttings. The skilled techniques employed by Master Guo enable him to intricately cut delicate paper into various forms cells, DNA strands, and other biological structures, making abstract scientific concepts concrete.
Through this visit, we felt the beauty of the combination of traditional Chinese culture and modern science. As one of the representatives of traditional Chinese art, paper-cutting has been integrated with the modern scientific field of synthetic biology through the superb technology and creativity of this paper-cutting master, resulting in a new art form and new charm. We hope that through this form, traditional culture will be inherited and developed, scientific knowledge will be more vivid and interesting, and more people's interest in biological science will be stimulated.
Photo of us and Master Guo
At the same time, we decided to combine the traditional Chinese fan with the themes of probiotics and synthetic biology, so on August 10th, we visited Mr. Zhang Chunming and invited him to draw creatively on the fan.
Mr. Zhang Chunming has a wide range of painting themes, and is good at painting horses, bamboo and lotus. His works are frequently published in newspapers, and participated in national painting and calligraphy exhibitions and won awards. He is currently a director of Shaanxi Strait Calligraphy and Painting Institute, vice president of Xi'an Ink Painting Institute, director of Xi'an Tongren Calligraphy and Painting Research Institute.
Mr. Zhang drew ink style DNA and the words "All things grow（万物生长）"
Mr. Zhang painted a probiotic theme pattern fan
DNA pattern and words "all things grow(万物生长)"
On the first rice paper fan, together with Mr. Zhang, we designed the DNA pattern of ink style, using dripping ink marks to represent microorganisms of different sizes. The inscription "wan wu sheng zhang " means that all living things are actively growing and full of vitality.
Cartoon patterns of various microorganisms
The second fan is a silk paper fan. We use the pigments and techniques of traditional Chinese painting to draw various cartoon images of microorganisms, which look full of childlike interest and vivid images. At the same time, next to the painting, we wrote a small poem related to synthetic biology: "The microscopic world quietly changes, and genes are woven in the palm of your hand. The power of innovation is infinite, and synthetic biology shines. "This poem implies that human beings are always living in harmony with all kinds of microorganisms, and with the progress of technology, synthetic biology will bring us many new surprises and make our life more and more beautiful.
Team members take a group photo with Mr. Zhang Chunming
Chinese scroll painting, as a unique and outstanding art form, embodies the profound cultural heritage and aesthetic value. Therefore, we combine traditional Chinese scroll ink painting and calligraphy with synthetic biology to create unique and profound artworks, to explore the fascinating connection between life and art.
On August 12th，we invited Mr. Wu Xiaomin, a member of the China Calligraphers Association and Shaanxi Provincial Calligraphers Association, as well as a specially appointed calligrapher for foreign calligraphy art exchanges by China, to paint and inscribe for us.
Mr. Wu Xiaomin and Guoshutang
In traditional scroll ink paintings, masters showcase rich natural landscapes and stories through continuous compositions and delicate lines. Similarly, DNA as the fundamental unit of life is also a continuous double helix structure that encodes genetic information of organisms. By transforming DNA sequences and structures into rotating, layered, and flowing ink lines in our creations, we can produce works that possess both artistic and scientific while directly demonstrating the complexity of DNA and diversity of life.
Creative work of DNA with scroll painting
And, we have incorporated elements of calligraphy by writing key vocabulary from synthetic biology to express scientific thoughts, integrating scientific knowledge into the beauty of calligraphy. In this painting work, Mr.Wu Xiaomin wrote: "Various plants grow amidst clouds; Synthetic trees bring forth new winds; Plum blossoms pierce like deer antlers; Dragon veins flow through empty years; Dan Gui fragrance meanders; Yellow River surges red waves; The divine land creates aspirations; Ancient paths are rebuilt."By combining with the profound cultural heritage of China, scroll painting not only shows the complexity and wonders of synthetic biology but also conveys scientific knowledge and values, igniting public interest and reflection on science, promoting scientific education and cultura exchange.
Mr. Wu is stamping
We believe that through the integration of traditional Chinese painting and synthetic biology, science and art will intertwine to create astonishing sparks. Through the collision of creativity and imagination, we can communicate knowledge about synthetic biology to the public in a unique and interesting way, opening up new perspectives for popular science communication.
Team members took a photo with Mr. Wu
The combination of synthetic biology and traditional Chinese culture is not just an innovative attempt but also an exploration of cultural fusion and collision of values. By combining traditional wisdom with modern technological means, we have opened up a way that promotes both scientific progress and sustainable development inherited from Chinese civilization. By incorporating concepts and principles of synthetic biology into art forms such as paper cutting, ink painting, calligraphy etc., we can carry out innovative popular science education activities and art exhibitions to convey knowledge about biological sciences to the public along with its values. At the same time, this cross-cultural exchange can also promote understanding friendship between different countries regions.
So let's join hands together in creating a better future through the fusion of synthetic biology with traditional Chinese culture!