Wings of autumn: Artistry in fallen leaves at Zhejiang University

During the final week, Zhejiang University’s Zijingang Campus is graced by an expected trio — a majestic “eagle”, a charming “dog”, and a delicate “butterfly”. These enchanting creations have gone viral on the campus online community, drawing students and faculty alike to marvel, take photos, and join in the celebration. 

These works are the highlights of Zhejiang University’s inaugural Fall Leaf Art Festival—“New Autumn, Opening Arts”. Zhejiang University and the China Academy of Art work together to transform fallen leaves into extraordinary artworks, weaving hopes and blessings for the coming year into every piece. Let’s take a closer look at these masterpieces and the stories they tell!

Standing tall at 3 meters, Eagle Cast in Leaves spreads its wings to an impressive 7 meters. With an imposing presence, the eagle exudes vitality and strength, as if it were poised to soar into the boundless sky.

In front of the gymnasium, a spirited “Dachshund” beckons with its playful charm. Its wagging tail seems to cheerfully greet passers-by, bringing lighthearted joy and contagious smiles to everyone it meets. 

On Dicheng Middle Road, a “butterfly” breaks free from its cocoon. Its outstretched wings dance gracefully, embodying the elegance and beauty of life in motion.

Up close, these intricate sculptures reveal their secrets — steel-wire frames carefully adorned with layers upon layers of vibrant maple leaves. Each piece, composed of over 10,000 individual leaves, embodies a delicate balance between the tranquility of autumn and the vitality of renewal, offering a poetic tribute to nature’s ephemeral beauty.

The festival unfolded in November with an open call for design submissions from students. In just a week, 12 proposals poured in. After extensive discussions and refinements between teams from Zhejiang University and the China Academy of Art, the final designs were set for production. A month of careful crafting followed, as these imaginative creations came to life.

Students and faculty are invited to engage with the artworks by writing their wishes on fallen leaves and attaching them to the pieces, spreading their blessings further.

CHEN Zhe, the designer of Eagle Cast in Leaves, is a student in the Process Equipment and Control Engineering program at the College of Energy Engineering. “The soaring eagle represents hope for the coming year, urging all to fly with courage and chase their own dreams. Each new beginning and transformation lead to greater aspirations. The eagle embodies Zhejiang University’s spirit of seeking truth and pursuing innovation,” he said.

The “Dachshund” piece, titled Extraordinary Performance, stretches an impressive 5.5 meters in length. It symbolizes the endless pursuit of self-improvement and the power of maintaining a cheerful spirit. Designed by KUI Kui from the Department of Public Physical and Art Education, the piece aims to inspire others to tap into their inner strength and explore life boldly.

MA Junhan, a pharmacy student from the Class of 2027 and the designer of Breaking Free as a Butterfly, shared her thoughts, “Autumn in Hangzhou is fleeting, much like the butterfly’s brief journey, as it transitions into the stillness of winter. Yet, the warmth of Zhuangzi’s butterfly dream endures. I hope those who move forward never lose their will to grow, even in the coldest winter, and have the courage to break free from their cocoons, transforming into something new.”

The Fall Leaf Art Festival began in 2006, when students and faculty from the China Academy of Art sought to capture the evanescent beauty of nature in innovative and romantic ways. The festival pays tribute to seasonal transitions and the cycle of life.

Last year, the festival made its debut at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, where a lively “Leaf Bunny” brought warmth and companionship to both doctors and patients.

This year, the festival introduced the “Leaf Angel”, a creation born from the collaboration between the hospital and the China Academy of Art. With wings made of delicate leaves, the angel serves as a symbol of protection against illness, offering comfort, health, and hope to all who encounter it.

Though the leaves fall, they are reborn into vibrant works of art. Through these creations, we forge a close connection with nature, a chance to honor ourselves, bid farewell to the past, and embrace the future. As we celebrate life together, the bond between humanity and nature grows ever stronger.

“Finding each piece and taking photos with them,” “getting a motivational boost during the exam week,” and “experiencing an instant wave of autumn romance” are just a few of the sentiments shared by students as they gathered around the artworks, eager to savor the beauty firsthand. The creative designs and heartfelt messages left everyone deeply touched.

“These leaves, like notes scattered along the river of time, are independent yet interconnected. They remind us to seek harmony with nature in our daily lives and to appreciate the essence and beauty of life,” said XIANG Wenquan, as he admired the artworks.

Adapted and translated from the article written by WU Wenbo

Translator: FANG Fumin

Photo: CAO Zhijun, Department of Public Physical and Art Education, Hangzhou Daily, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, CC98 (ZJU’s online community)    

Editor: TIAN Minjie