Physique of Consciousness
“Physique of Consciousness” is the first cultural fitness exercise ever made, initiated in 2011 by Xu Zhen (produced by MadeIn Company). It comprises movements derived from dance, gymnastics, spiritual and cultural rituals. The whole series is composed of more than two hundred steps and moves inspired from ceremonies, worships and traditions accumulated through the histories of humanity. It combines physical and spiritual virtues, enhancing body conditions and well-being. As dance can be a form of expression and as ritual is usually linked to civilizations, the spiritual fitness Physique of Consciousness reflects the diversity of human ideologies.
Physique of Consciousness consists in ten exercises, as ten chapters, with a progression of levels from easy to hard. The whole set of exercises lasts for thirty minutes. Movements are flowing, peaceful and aesthetic, accompanied by a relaxing music. This fitness exercise is open to any public, young people as much as elders. It has various benefits such as maintaining a healthy physical condition, strengthening muscles, joint mobility, and improving the immune system. It can also bring peace of mind, by relieving stress and providing a feeling of wellness. The diversity of the movements participate to the enhancement of memory capacity and focusing functions. The movements in Physique of Consciousness present numerous symbolic meanings, issued from various cultures and civilizations of different periods and regions. The fitness exercise, Physique of Consciousness, by definition reflects the spirit of Humanity, it describes and depicts Human “consciousness”. This sport ensues from contemporary thoughts and reflections on today’s World, and aims to propose a solution to the continuous antagonism between body and mind.
Throughout History, exploration and control of body and spirit have always been a central matter, and the establishment of Physique of Consciousness results from research led by MadeIn Company on this topic. In 2013, Physique of Consciousness Museum was established. It presents each movement, posture’s religious background, their meanings in their original context and related artifacts’ images. It explores the nature and source of our ideologies by creating parallels between our social, religious and political beliefs. Physique of Consciousness Museum challenges observing habits as well as our understanding of the world, offering a new perspective on humankind’s spiritual heritage.
as part of Protozone12: Syncretic Sites
Xu Zhen (*1977) lives and works in Shanghai. Xu Zhen has been considered as an iconic figure in Chinese contemporary art. In 2004, Xu won the prize for ‘Best Artist’ at the China Contemporary Art Award. His practice covers various media such as installations, video, painting and performance.
Xu Zhen has exhibited internationally, at museums and biennales, such as, Venice Biennale (2001, 2005), The Museum of Modern Art (New York, 2004), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo, 2005), MoMA PS1 (New York, 2006), Tate Liverpool (2007), Hayward Gallery (London, 2012), Lyon Biennale (2013), Armory Show (New York, 2014), Long Museum (Shanghai 2015), Al Riwaq Art Center (Qatar, 2016), Sydney Biennial (2016), Guggenheim Museum (New York, 2017), Sharjah Biennial (2019), Museum of Contemporary Art (Los Angeles, 2019), National Gallery of Australia (Canberra, 2020), among others.
XU ZHEN®, founded by artist Xu Zhen in 2013, is the flagship art brand of MadeIn Company. XU ZHEN® is committed to art creation and cutting-edge culture development. Through collecting and appreciating artworks and events produced by XU ZHEN®, users can enjoy spiritual aspirations and life experiences of the finest quality.
