Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins with the way to life-long artists expressing articles of faith, curating multimodal works in progress. It distinguishes mothering and a genuine ‘gift economy’ from exchange. A neurobiological explanation presents ‘an identity-forming imitation that establishes communication and community with nature, with Mother(er) Earth’ as powerful foundation for orientational and conduit metaphor. The book describes the importance of play, recalling ‘triadic harmonies’, ‘abstracted structures’, mental patterns which ‘are not closed and hierarchical but act more like networks of knowledge’. It examines notions of ‘identity and alterity’ in relation to the European Constitution. The book focuses on The Urbanism/Architecture Bi-City Biennale of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, seen as an opportunity to combine renovation with an exhibition, ‘in the name of “art”, a form which carries compelling notions of beauty and culture’.