Zheng Bo Garden Exercises
In developing Fragrant Eight-Section Brocade, Zheng Bo was inspired by the traditional Chinese mind-body exercises known as qigong 氣功. These practices focus on activating the qi, or energy matter, in the body. They date back nearly 900 years and remain widely practiced today.
Each of Zheng Bo’s exercises is meant to be practiced alongside the various fragrances of the surrounding landscape, encouraging participants to develop a connection to the natural environment.
Daily, except Tuesdays | 30-minute exercises at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Key Details
- Meet outside of Studio for Lodging the Mind in the Chinese Garden.
- The program includes physical movement, which can be adapted for people of all abilities.
- No previous experience is necessary.
- Families are welcome.
- This event may be canceled in the event of rain or excessive heat.
A video still (left) from Ecosensibility Exercise: Fragrant Eight-Section Brocade, a commissioned work for “Growing and Knowing in the Gardens of China” by contemporary artist Zheng Bo (right).
About the Instructor
Zheng Bo (they/them), a contemporary artist based in Hong Kong who works with plants, is featured in the exhibition “Growing and Knowing in the Gardens of China,” which highlights how Chinese gardens have served as transformative spaces.
Fragrant Eight-Section Brocade is inspired by the traditional Chinese mind-body practice qigong 氣功. Building on exercises that date back nearly 900 years and remain widely practiced today, Zheng’s work includes eight exercises that combine simple full-body movements and deep breathing to activate the mind and body. Each exercise is meant to be practiced alongside the various fragrances of the surrounding landscape, encouraging participants to develop a connection to the natural environment.
Sept. 14, 2024–Jan. 6, 2025 | This exhibition displays 24 artworks and a performance piece highlighting how Chinese gardens have served as transformative spaces for growing and contemplating plants, encouraging visitors to view their gardens as sources of delight, nourishment, and inspiration.
The Huntington’s Center for East Asian Garden Studies promotes innovative scholarship on the traditions of garden-making in China, Japan, and Korea.
The exhibition has been made possible with support from Getty through its PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative.
Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART, returned in September 2024 with more than 70 exhibitions from museums and other institutions across the region, all exploring the intersections of art and science, both past and present. PST ART is presented by Getty. For more information, visit PST ART: Art & Science Collide