Tradition and Modernity in Dialogue: Theoretical Frameworks and Philosophical Underpinnings of Contemporary Chinese Environmental Art

This article explores the theoretical frameworks and philosophical underpinnings of contemporary Chinese environmental art, with a particular focus on the works of Yao Lu and Yang Yongliang. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining art history, philosophy, and environmental studies, the article examines how these artists navigate the tensions between tradition and modernity in their response to China's ecological crisis and rapid urbanization. The analysis reveals how contemporary Chinese environmental artists reinterpret traditional aesthetic principles and philosophical concepts while incorporating Western artistic influences to create a unique visual language that addresses pressing environmental concerns. This study contributes to our understanding of how art can serve as both critique and solution to environmental challenges, offering new perspectives on the relationship between nature, culture, and industrial development.