In the heart of Paris, beneath the opulent domes of the Palais de la Découverte, the 2024 ART CAPITAL International Salon unfolded in February, transforming the venue into a bustling hub for artistic innovation and international dialogue. This grand exhibition, endorsed by the French government and spearheaded by the French Ministry of Culture, the National Museums of France, and the Grand Palais, featured an eclectic array of artworks from across the globe, capturing the dynamic pulse of the global art community.

Among the plethora of international talents, one artist, Shuyi Qi, captured the audience's imagination with her striking artwork, "Embrace." This piece, renowned for its ingenious use of recycled materials—plastic bottle caps, hemp rope, recycled fabric, and wool—serves as a compelling visual exploration of the tensions and interactions between human civilization and the natural world.

During the exhibition, Shuyi Qi’s piece "Embrace" profoundly touched a French mother and her art-enthusiastic young son. As Qi explained the deeper meanings behind her work, the interaction became a pivotal learning moment. The mother used the opportunity to teach her son about environmental responsibility, illustrating through Qi’s art how everyday choices impact the world. Both were captivated by the narrative woven into "Embrace," which not only deepened their understanding of ecological issues but also inspired the young boy to think about how art can be a powerful tool for environmental advocacy. This encounter highlights the educational and transformative potential of art, making abstract concerns tangible and immediate to its viewers.

Qi's artwork "Embrace" offers a powerful and unique commentary on consumerism's repercussions. At its base, the artwork uses discarded plastic caps as a vivid reminder of our pervasive throwaway culture. Above this, intertwined natural materials like hemp rope, recycled fabric, and wool symbolize the environment's enduring resilience and forgiving nature. This stark juxtaposition not only underscores the contrast between human excess and natural endurance but also conveys a crucial message about sustainability and the importance of environmental stewardship. This piece compels viewers to reflect deeply on their consumption habits and the broader impact on the planet.

Shuyi Qi's artistry, known for sparking profound dialogues through thematic depth and visual impact, has received attention and acclaim in several prestigious publications even before 2024 ART CAPITAL. Her pieces 'Express,' 'Explore,' and 'ShoutOut' were featured in USCHINAPRESS and the World Journal, contributing to these conversations. Another of her works, 'Harmony,' gained notable coverage in Juliet Art Magazine and Artsnet Magazine. In recognition of her artistic excellence, Qi was honored with the 'Exhibition Award' as part of the XL Florence Prize, allowing her the esteemed opportunity to showcase her works in a prominent Florence venue in 2024, a highlight also mentioned in Artsnet Magazine.

The 2024 ART CAPITAL International Salon in Paris not only provided Shuyi Qi a prestigious platform to articulate her environmental concerns through art but also ignited a collective moment of introspection among its attendees. It reinforced the vital role of the arts in spearheading social change and enhancing public consciousness about pressing global issues, particularly the urgent need for environmental conservation.