“Second Nature: Habits of Mind” presents Yi Heda and Wu Gaozhong, whose devotion to their own specific channels of expression serve as a catharsis to themselves. Through the ritualistic observance of simple shapes which are symbolic to each artist personally, the artists’ own experiences are reincarnated into geometric embodiments of symbols.

This exhibition offers its viewers a glimpse into Yi Heda’s and Wu Gaozhong’s daily practices, inspirations of their own pasts and beliefs that materialize as recurring symbols in their art works. Yi Heda's ink circles exemplify Buddhist practices of Zen calligraphy, in which the circle symbolizes enlightenment, the universe and the void. Also recurrent, the hair featured in Wu Gaozhong’s pieces relates to his childhood memory that has since dominated much of his work; a traumatic experience that has sought an outlet in his collection, achieving a serene calmness now present in his works.

An avid Buddhist, Yi Heda wishes to spread Buddhist teachings through his art and in his daily life. Having been widely exhibited in China, the artist lives and works in Beijing. Also based in Beijing, Wu Gaozhong is famed for his controversial performance art and has been extensively exhibited in the US, China, Poland, Spain, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.