The Ecology and Culture course of this semester has come to a successful conclusion. This post features 42 student works. Now, let's appreciate the pressed flower artworks created by the students !

· No.1 City-Nature 

Author: Sang Zhihui, Student ID 2052464
Materials: Parchment paper; fallen leaves; dried flowers; leaf veins
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
The pressed flower artwork, titled City-Nature, incorporates spring flowers and autumn leaves collected in daily life. It uses the natural textures of leaf veins, the colors of fallen leaves, and the shapes of dried flowers to depict the city skyline, blending natural greenery with urban architecture. It conveys a sense of relaxation, freedom, and the tranquil mindset of living amidst the hustle and bustle, yet untouched by its noise.

· No.2 Grass Carp 

Author: Jiang Tianci, Student ID 2150821
Materials: Parchment paper; fallen flowers; leaves; leaf veins; fallen leaves
Size: 210mm×297mm

Work Introduction:
The pressed flower artwork, named Grass Carp, is, as the name suggests, a grass carp made from grass. It selects fallen leaves with distinct veins and slender shapes as the fish's skeleton and relatively broad, curved leaf edges for the fins. For a more realistic touch, fine, soft leaves are crumbled and scattered over the skeleton to represent scales. The tail is composed of multiple slender, vein-stripped leaf stalks, mimicking the hair-like filaments of a real grass carp's tail. The blue cardboard background indicates that the grass carp is in water. Three fallen flowers are added to prevent excessive blank space and to hint at the season as spring or summer, aligning with the grass carp's preference for warm waters and its active period.

· No.3 Dance 

Author: Zhang Yuyu, Student ID 2152904

Work Introduction:
This pressed flower artwork depicts a person dancing. In today's urban life, such moments of emotional expression are rare. As Nietzsche said, Those who cannot hear the music think the dancers are mad. Although dried plants lack life, through artistic arrangement, they seem to regain vitality. Flowers and leaves, in their static forms, convey dynamic passion. The dancer's pose might evoke the heat of flamenco or the elegance of ballet, but the natural textures of the pressed flower materials add a rustic poetry. It's a tribute to the power of life. Even withered plants can be reborn as dancers, finding their own space in the concrete jungle.

· No.4 Towards the Sun

Author: Lin Ziyang, Student ID 2153227

Materials: Parchment paper; fallen leaves; dried flowers; leaf veins

Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:

The urban habitats are now experiencing increasing pollution due to overwhelming population and industrialisation. Breathing such depressing and frustrating air, all creatures, not just animals that require oxygen to produce energy, but also plants, are in great need of bathing themselves in the sunlight leaking from the skylines of the concrete jungle, the modern cities. Some of them may grow towards the other side where the uncontaminated energy comes from, some may grow steadily and perfectly straight, and some orient themselves towards the sunlight. All of them, however, have made up their mind that all they hold dear are contained outside of the city’s trammel, and they are indeed reeds that think.

· No.5 Pearl Habitat 

Author: Gu Shiyu, Student ID 2153949
Materials: A4 paper; glue; dried flowers
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
The most touching aspect of pressed flower art is that we extend life by freezing it in time. When buildings and landscapes are deconstructed into petals and grass blades, the rigid outlines of the city reveal its soft, botanical nature. All human creations will eventually wither with time, yet nature always finds a way to press itself back into the cracks of civilization, blooming anew. This pressed flower artwork, modeled after the Oriental Pearl Tower, uses delicate yellow and lavender flowers to replicate the tower's translucent glow, with sage leaves winding into the steel structure's lines. Morning-dew-kissed fern fronds form the base, mimicking the misty waters of the Huangpu River. When dried flowers are preserved in laminate, I aim to replicate not just the shape of a landmark but also to question the vitality of the city—among the concrete grids, these flattened yet vibrant plant lives continue nature's epic in another form.

· No.6 Pyramids of Giza Under the Sun 

Author: Li You, Student ID 2154143
Materials: Colored paper
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
This work uses golden osmanthus petals and pink-purple pansies, among other materials, gently affixed to mosaic-colored paper to recreate the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt from memory. The three pyramids form isosceles triangles, towering beneath a white sky; the golden hue of the osmanthus petals symbolizes the millennia-old yellow sands, resembling the morning sunlight shining on the limestone. Against an orange horizon, four rounded grass blades transform into flying birds, carrying travelers' curiosity about ancient civilizations; while at the base, amidst bright yellow dunes, specks of pink-purple resemble nameless wildflowers, quietly blooming amidst desolation.

· No.7 Purple Garden 

Author: Mirshalijiang, Student ID 2154420
Materials: Purple petals; parchment paper; flower branches; leaf veins
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
This pressed flower artwork captures the vibrant life of a purple garden. Purple flowers and butterflies intertwine, creating a harmonious blend of stillness and movement. Each petal and butterfly wing is meticulously placed, as if dancing gracefully in the garden, telling a story of spring and life. The abstract plant patterns break away from traditional floral presentations, blurring the lines between dreams and reality, sparking imagination and contemplation. The choice of a yellow background is intentional, symbolizing light and hope, evoking warmth and strength. This bright hue contrasts sharply with the purple flowers, resembling a tranquil oasis amidst urban chaos, reminding us to find our own natural sanctuary amidst the hustle. Through the combination of these natural elements, the artwork conveys a message of harmony between humans and nature, urging us to maintain reverence and appreciation for nature in modern urban environments. The delicate depiction of purple flowers and butterflies goes beyond mere imitation of natural beauty; they symbolize freedom and change, representing the fragility and resilience of life. The composition of each element is an abstract expression of nature, showcasing its complexity and richness through the collision of different plant forms, colors, and textures. Every detail tells a lively story, reflecting the continuation and transformation of natural life in urban settings.

· No.8 Undersea Forest 

Author: Huang Senlin, Student ID 2250495
Materials: Pink-backed ferns; metasequoia; Ammi majus; roses
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
Pink-backed ferns are used around the edges, their light, spreading leaves resembling a deep, mysterious undersea forest drifting gently in the water, creating an enchanting and dreamy atmosphere. In the center, two clusters of green metasequoia stand tall and straight, like towering trees in an undersea forest, showcasing the tenacity and strength of life. Pink Ammi majus and red roses, dotted above and below the metasequoia, resemble exotic flowers blooming in the forest, adding a splash of vibrant color to this underwater world.
Symbolism:
This work not only showcases the beautiful forms of natural plants but also symbolizes admiration and reverence for the natural ecosystem. It is hoped that viewers can feel the wonder and beauty of nature through it, awakening a love and desire to protect nature within.

· No.9 Flower & Butterfly 

Author: Shi Zhan, Student ID 2251326
Materials: Violas; tansy leaves;red pyrethrum; red pyrethrum
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
Creation Notes:
For the butterfly wings, viola petals are used to create a blue-white-purple gradient, with tansy leaves' serrated edges adding a fuzzy texture to mimic butterfly wings. The antennae are made from 小黄菊 for added dimension. In the background, several dried red pyrethrum flowers serve as nectar sources, with their orange centers contrasting warmly against the butterfly wings.
Work Description:
My pressed flower artwork, Flower & Butterfly, is inspired by the natural scenes of spring, using dried flowers and leaves to create a butterfly collecting nectar, showcasing the continuation of life and beauty. The inspiration comes from the sight of butterflies and flowers dancing together in spring—butterflies rely on nectar for survival, while flowers depend on butterflies for pollination. I wanted to capture this wonderful symbiotic relationship in a frozen moment. Meanwhile, pressed flower art allows withered plants to rebirth in a new form, giving the work a dual meaning. During creation, I deliberately lowered one wing of the butterfly to create a scene of it collecting nectar. The entire work is both a butterfly and a flower, blurring the lines between animals and plants, inviting viewers to ponder the interconnectedness of nature.

· No.10 Flowers Blooming in the City: A Moment of Contemplation 

Author: Zhou Qingyu, Student ID 2251402

Work Introduction:
Story Description:
At the center of the scene, a small bird perches quietly on a flower branch, its wings slightly folded, as if a weary traveler taking a brief respite from the hustle and bustle. Its gaze, undisturbed by the distant noise, is tenderly fixed on the clusters of blooming flowers before it. These flowers, with their unfolding petals, display their unique postures and colors, sketching the purest poetry of life within a small space.
Work Description:
I used the unique textures and natural forms of different flowers to create this scene. The bird's deep gaze at the flowers aligns perfectly with the theme of flowers blooming in the city, symbolizing the quiet growth of life's light amidst the concrete jungle.

· No.11 The Lady with Closed Eyes 

Author: Zhang Hao, Student ID 2251630
Materials: Parchment paper; dried flowers; leaf veins
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
The lady's closed eyes are a silent declaration. She refuses to be swept away by the city's rhythm, instead using her skin to feel the last breath of the pressed flowers. These fragments from different seasons reorganize on her face, forming a new ecosystem—a delicate symbiosis between humans and nature in a small space: neither conquest nor escape, but finding a pure haven amidst confrontation. As the city continuously squeezes the dimensions of perception, this work, with the fragility and eternity of pressed flowers, poses a question: Are we willing to close our eyes for a fallen leaf?

· No.12 Grape Trap 

Author: Wu Chong, Student ID 2252420
Materials: Parchment paper; dried flowers (such as globe amaranth); dried leaves; laminating film
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
This pressed flower artwork, named Grape Trap, interprets unique art through plant pressing. The layout is simple, with purple globe amaranth at the top simulating grape clusters, their spherical flowers resembling plump grapes, paired with green leaves to vividly present the grape form; below, pink and white flowers intertwine with green leaves, with vines stretching out like a trap, and a few scattered green leaves as if they've fallen in.
Symbolism:
Grape Trap presents a certain meaning through abstract depiction, using purple globe amaranth to simulate ripe grapes, symbolizing outwardly appealing beautiful things, beneath which lies a trap of thorns and vines. It implies that beautiful things in life may be traps, or that in pursuing beautiful things, one should also be wary of the traps left behind, reminding people to view beauty dialectically, not be deceived by appearances, and think twice before acting.

· No.13 Flight of the Flower 

Author: Yan Chenyue, Student ID 2254340
Materials: Parchment paper; dried flowers; leaf veins
Size: 210mm*297mm

Work Introduction:
This work deconstructs plant forms into symbols of color and texture. Dead branches symbolize the urban environment, creating tension with vibrant flowers and birds, echoing the theme of flowers blooming in the city. Through the transformation from flower to bird, it explores the adaptive transformation of natural life in the city. This pressed flower artwork deconstructs the symbiotic relationship between plants and life in urban habitats through abstract artistic language. I used layers of petals in varying shades to create bird feathers, delicate leaf veins to outline the trajectory of flapping wings, moss texture to simulate the softness of downy feathers, and fragments of dead branches as perches—all materials collected from city corners, carrying memories of stubborn growth amidst concrete and steel. By stripping plants of their original forms, I transformed them into symbols of color and texture. This deconstruction and recombination is not only a recreation of plant aesthetics but also an attempt to capture the dynamic life in the city that is easily overlooked—how a flower completes its spiritual flight through the imagery of a bird. The title Flight of the Flower implies a dual escape: flowers breaking free from the constraints of soil to ascend as birds, and natural elements escaping the edges of the city to enter human sight. In the cracks of the concrete forest, suppressed plants are reborn in the name of art, questioning with abstract beauty what is wild and what is domesticated. As flower petal wings hover above the urban outline constructed by dead branches, we see the eternal bloom and flight in the cracks of habitats.

· No.14 Countryside Cottage 

Author: Lv Miao, Student ID 2254434

Work Introduction:
This pressed flower artwork, named Countryside Cottage, uses various flowers and leaves to represent the flower garden in front of the cottage, with metasequoia leaves as the cottage's roof, their stems serving as doors and windows, with striped elements giving a wooden texture. The color of yellow flowers represents the warm light inside the house, leaf veins as the path leading to the cottage, and the leaves at the top of the picture as the woods behind the house. The entire painting exudes a peaceful, serene, and vibrant atmosphere, reflecting my longing for a life environment that harmonizes with nature and stays grounded. Compared to the convenient life in the steel forest, I prefer close contact with nature.

-  No.15 Flower montain

2256002 Maria lan Jungmann

Last weekend, I visited a breathtaking flower mountain, where colorful blooms stretched as far as the eye could see. The vibrant petals painted the hills in shades of pink, yellow, and purple, creating a mesmerizing natural tapestry.

As I walked along the winding paths, the sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air, and butterflies danced from blossom to blossom. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow over the fields. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Families laughed and took photos, while artists sat quietly, capturing the beauty on their canvases.The gentle breeze carried petals through the air, making the scene even more magical.

This flower mountain was not just a place of beauty but also a reminder of nature' s wonders. I left with a heart full of joy and memories that would last forever.

As I climbed higher, the view became even more spectacular. The flower fields formed waves of color, blending seamlessly with the distant blue mountains. Bees buzzed busily among the blossoms, adding a soft hum to the peaceful atmosphere. Occasionally, a bird would chirp from a nearby tree, as if singing praises to the beauty below.

I sat on a wooden bench to rest, soaking in the tranquility. An elderly couple nearby smiled at me,their hands intertwined as they admired the scenery. Their quiet happiness mirrored the serenity of the place.

-  No.16 Blooming in Urban Chaos  

2256003 Torry Taschya Sutartho

This piece is titled Blooming in Urban Chaos, inspired by the delicate balance between chaotic motion in the urban environment and serenity in nature. 

A single, fully bloomed flower dominates the composition—its delicate petals pressed in serene perfection, embodying timeless grace. This floral anchor is surrounded by fragmented petals, leaves, and subtle butterfly-wing motifs (disguised as botanical debris), suggesting fleeting movement, migration, or the ephemeral beauty often overlooked in bustling environments.

The vibrant red background is used to symbolize the lively energy, mirroring the relentless rhythm of urban life. Against it, the pale, flowers appear almost suspended in time—this is used to symbolize the quiet life, contrasting to the vivid chaotic urban habitat. Where cities fracture and scatter, nature’s quiet magnetism (attraction) pulls fragments into harmony. The butterfly elements—hovering at the edges—hint at metamorphosis, inviting viewers to question what thrives (or hides) in the margins of our constructed worlds.

-  No.17 NATURE MAN

2256004 FREDDY LIENARDY

This pressed flower artwork is titled Nature Man, inspired by the connection between humans and the natural world. The vibrant red background represents passion and vitality, while the carefully arranged plant elements come together to form a human-like face. 

At the top, a row of green leaves forms the “hair, ” symbolizing life and thought. The two bold, multi-colored flowers serve as expressive “eyes, ” the window to nature’s soul. A small cluster of red petals makes up the “nose, ” and a gently curved yellow-green flower branch becomes a warm “smile.” At the bottom, a line of tiny yellow flowers represents the “foundation” or “feet, ” grounding the figure and symbolizing its bond with the Earth. 

This artwork is not just a playful face made of plants—it’s a reflection on the deep relationship between humans and nature. We are part of nature, and our emotions, expressions, and forms can all be found echoed in the natural world around us. 

Through the process of pressing flowers, I was able to witness how the beauty of plants can be preserved even after they wither. They carry their charm and structure into a new form, allowing their story to continue. This piece is my way of communicating with nature, capturing a moment of harmony and transformation.

-  No.18 EPHEMERAL VASE

2256005 TOENG KOKHEANG

This artwork tells a quiet story--of flowers once held in a vase, each stem carrying its own fleeting history. Some were gifted in a moment of joy, others celebrated for their beauty or presence, and a few simply stood as silent witnesses to a passing season. every petal, every curve of dried leaf, holds the trace of a life once lived fully and brightly--but never for long.

Flowers are never meant to stay. They bloom,they move us, and then they fade. We bring them into our lives with excitement, display them proudly, then, just as quickly, forget. They wither not out of neglect alone, but because they were never ours to keep. Their time is numbered from the beginning.

This collage is not a preservation, but a reminder. A reflection on the selfishness of possession--the belief that beauty must be owned to be appreciated. True love for a flower does not pluck it from its home. It watches gently, from a respectful distance. It knows that nature is not an accessory to human life. The world does not bend to our sentimentality.

To press a flower is to hold onto a ghost.a delicate one, yes, but also a warning. The next time you see a flower blooming wildly by the roadside, resist the urge to reach. Let it live its life where it belongs. It is not a memory to capture, but a future still unfolding. In this piece, the flowers tell us: we must evolve around nature--not force nature to orbit us. That is the message, layered softly in color and form, between each petal now still, but never truly silent.

-  No.19 Three Body Problem

2256007 Sam

In the beginning, their universe was perfect. Three golden suns commanded the heavens, their light weaving a tapestry of impossible stability. The lesser worlds, a chorus of vibrant blossoms, danced in their tri-fold glow, each turning in a perfect,predictable harmony. Life flourished in this celestial ballet, secure in the unending waltz of light and warmth-a balanced equation of gravity and grace. Every orbit was a hymn, every season a promise kept.

But one day, a voice in the cosmic choir went silent. The brightest of the three, a beacon of fire and life,was extinguished. It wasn't a cataclysmic roar, but a sudden,terrifying emptiness that ripped through the fabric of their system. The music of the spheres stopped, and the perfect dance shattered into a desperate scramble for survival, tearing the delicate balance into chaos.

Now, only two suns remain, their lonely light a constant, aching reminder of what was lost.The smaller worlds, their orbits broken, drift in the echoing silence. Lost and untethered, they crane their fragile forms, turning their faces away from the chilling darkness and towards the dual glow. Every petal is a question, every leaf a prayer aimed at the sky. They gravitate not by physical law, but by a desperate, instinctual longing for guidance and a reason to persist. They are forever looking to the two remaining beacons in a system haunted by the ghost of a fallen star, eternally trying to solve a problem with a missing piece.

The name is 'three body problem' inspired by the book and the movie series, where a solar system has 3 stars, which are represented by the Mauranthemumplaudosum (chrysanthemum), in my art work it has 2 because the last one died/exploded, all the other smaller flowers are always facing towards the chrysanthemum, gravitating towards it, as if looking for guidance or reason to live.

-  No.20 Interaction

2256010 Son Junho

In modern society, we mostly live in multi such as apartment buildings. Not only are our living spaces -family housing shared, but our external environments are as well. This means that we live in a continuous state of interaction, shaped by both physical proximity and social connection.

This plant artwork captures that notion by visualizing one of the most immediate and symbolic forms of human interaction: forms of two individuals kissing love. At the center of the composition, the represent an intimate, instinctive moment of emotional and physical metaphor for how interaction can become deeply connection (a personal). 

At the same time, the piece incorporates the view experienced when walking between two buildings. This perspective element was included because a perspective view contains a vanishing point—a symbolic meeting point in the distance. 

This architectural principle reinforces the theme of convergence and connection: eventually, all lines meet. To express this visually, two large vertical plant structures are positioned like architectural forms, with small leaves placed within them to resemble windows everyday urban environments. This layering of human , referencing intimacy and spatial geometry mirrors how our lives unfold at the intersection of the emotional and the structural. 

Color plays a critical role in the composition. The background represents passion, tension, and vitality vivid red , creating an emotional backdrop for the work. In contrast, the green leaves and stems symbolize balance, growth, and life. These complementary colors—red and green—create visual intensity and highlight the coexistence of harmony and contrast within human relationships. 

Through natural materials, spatial metaphor, and color contrast, this work offers a poetic reflection on how we connect, both emotionally and architecturally, in the rhythm of daily life.

-  No.21 Blooming In The City: Exploring the art of Pressing Flowers in Urban Habitats

2256012

Way down in the deep, way past coral reefs and broken ships swallowed by time, there’s a hidden garden that barely exists. You’d never find it unless the moon is full and the tides start whispering—like, actually whispering, soft and old, like a song the sea hasn’t sung in a long time. 

That’s when it appears. 

The flowers there don’t grow from soil. They rise from clusters of smooth pearls and tangled coral, blooming like sea stars. Their petals are made of something halfway between jelly and light, glowing faint blues, purples, and pinks as they sway with the current like they’re dreaming. 

Tiny sea-butterflies flicker through the garden. Not real butterflies—these ones are made from seagrass and stardust, or something close to it. Their wings shimmer like sunlight on waves, and every time they flap, they leave a trail of sparkling bubbles that pop a second too late, like they’re trying to remember something. 

The whole place is alive in a quiet, steady way. Ocean mushrooms grow near the base of the coral, glowing soft and warm. Some are huge, like glowing underwater trees, others are just round little domes scattered across the sand. They pulse gently, like they’re breathing in time with the sea itself. 

There’s no ruler, no crowd, no noise. Just the garden and the beings that live there— creatures that drift, flutter, glow. They don’t speak in words, but they understand each other, like everything is connected by the current, or the way the light filters down from the surface. 

One night, when everything felt extra still, a silver pearl cracked open near the center of the garden. It split quietly, like it had been waiting a long time. Inside was a baby sea-dragon, no bigger than a shell. Its gills fanned out like lace, and its scales shimmered with the same colors as the glowing flowers. 

The sea itself seemed to pause. The garden leaned in.

The sea-dragon blinked, stretched its tiny fins, and let out a breath of glowing bubbles. The butterflies gathered around it, wings flickering like stars. The mushrooms lit up a little brighter, and the coral swayed, slow and welcoming.

No one claimed it. No one needed to. The garden just knew—it had grown something new, something special. The sea held it gently, as it always did.

And down there, far beneath the surface where no one watches and time flows like drifting kelp, a quiet new story began-told in light, bubbles, and silence.

-  No.22 City–Nature

2256013 Prangsai 

This artwork is inspired by my deep-rooted connection to Chiang Mai, my beloved hometown, where nature and city life co-existing in the most harmonious way. I grew up surrounded by its gentle rhythms, where the sight of blooming flowers spilling over fences and golden leaves lining the footpaths were as familiar as the sounds of scooters passing temples. In this piece, titled “City–Nature,” I wanted to capture the spirit of the “Green Patch” within the city, that quiet balance between structure and softness that defines Chiang Mai. Using fallen leaves and dried flowers that we see in everyday life—The idea of this art piece from dried flowers preserved these small traces of nature and I arranged them alongside pencil-sketched architecture to reflect how the natural world weaves through our daily lives. The black-and-white structure represents the modern city, but it is not rigid. I used the grey tone of shading to allow a sense of transparency, of lightness, to express that the city does not dominated over the nature, but rather goes along with it—it bends, welcomes, and lives alongside nature’s presence. Each element carries a memory: the pink carnation reminds me of the trees that blossom along the moat in February, while the faded leaves recall late afternoon walks through quiet neighborhoods after school. 

This artwork is more than a visual piece—it’s a reflection of a place that has shaped me. In every petal and line, I tried to preserve that nostalgic sense of freedom, where life moves gently, and nature is never far from reach. Through this, I hope others can feel the quiet beauty of Chiang Mai, a city where the green never fades and where modernity still bows to the trees.

-  No.23 Botanical Shanghai: A Street Perspective

2256014 Damia Hisham

This artwork is a botanical reinterpretation of a one-point perspective street view in Shanghai, where pressed flowers and foliage are arranged to evoke the city’s iconic skyline. At the center stands a tall, feathery plant symbolizing the Oriental Pearl Tower—an emblem of Shanghai’s futuristic aspirations. Its height and upward branching mimic the architectural silhouette of the real structure, drawing the eye along an imagined vanishing point, just as the tower does in the city's Pudong skyline. 

Surrounding the central form are carefully selected natural elements that suggest urban surroundings and street life. The dense layering of yellow petals at the base reflects the vibrancy and energy of Shanghai’s everyday rhythm, possibly representing mid-rise buildings or the clustered vitality of market stalls and street vendors. Beneath them, blue hydrangea-like flowers evoke calm order and perhaps the curves of the Huangpu River or tiled roofs viewed from below. 

On either side, symmetrical placements of pink and white flower spikes and fern-like leaves create a sense of architectural framing, mimicking rows of trees, buildings, or columns that line a boulevard. The natural symmetry reinforces the one-point perspective, guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the center and creating a feeling of depth. 

This piece transforms organic materials into symbols of an urban landscape, suggesting that even the most industrialized spaces are deeply rooted in nature. It reflects a softer, poetic image of Shanghai—a metropolis that pulses with life, movement, and unexpected beauty. The work invites viewers to look at cities not just as built environments, but as growing, layered ecosystems where nature and culture converge.

No.24 Floral Realm

Author: Han Zimin (Student ID: 2256247)

Description:
This artwork is titled Floral Realm. I carefully designed and paired the floral materials to create a serene and gentle garden that evokes a dreamy yet peaceful feeling. I chose soft hues like lavender, pink, and pale yellow, which whisper warmth and comfort. The painting features many delicate flowers that, while not vibrant, possess a unique tranquil beauty. As I arranged the flowers, I felt a sense of inner peace, as if time slowed down. Through my design, I experienced a profound connection with nature. I named this piece Floral Realm, symbolizing a personal haven where one can relax and pause. I hope viewers can feel this tenderness and tranquility, finding a peaceful harbor amidst their busy lives. This floral realm is not just a tribute to flowers but also an expression of my inner self. Through this creation, I felt the beauty of nature and inner peace.

No.25 The Whispering Hummingbird

Author: Wu Jing (Student ID: 2256278)

Description:
I chose the hummingbird to tell this story. Though small, the hummingbird is full of energy and vitality, constantly flitting among flowers in search of the sweetest nectar. Similarly, when we learn to focus on the beautiful things in life—kind people, warm words, happy moments, or positive thoughts—our hearts will be filled with sweetness, light, and hope.

In our life journeys, we inevitably encounter difficulties and challenges. However, if we can maintain a mindset of seeking beauty like the hummingbird, we can find happiness in every small moment. Kind people are like sunlight, warming us; happy moments are like a gentle breeze, caressing our hearts; positive thoughts are like flowers, blooming in our minds and bringing color and vitality.

The flowers around the hummingbird symbolize all these beautiful things. Each petal represents a small joy, a warm word, a loving friend, or a cherished memory. It is these beautiful elements that allow the hummingbird to dance lightly in the air and fly freely.

When we learn to be grateful, kind, and positive about life, kindness and beauty will surround us like the flowers around the hummingbird, accompanying us on our journey and bringing happiness and peace.

No.26 Tip Tops

Author: Zeng Yiling (Student ID: 2256279)
Materials: Colored paper, dried flowers, pressed flowers, white chalk
Dimensions: 210mm x 297mm

Description:
The pressed flower artwork Tip Tops draws inspiration from Shanghai's unique urban architecture, featuring green streets like Wukang Road and Anfu Road to highlight the symbiotic relationship between city buildings and nature. The buildings' outlines are hand-drawn with white chalk, while dried flowers of various shapes and colors are used to depict details of rooftops, balconies, and window plants. The floral materials not only serve as decoration but also become part of the architectural language, illustrating how nature softens urban lines and infuses cold structures with vitality. The title Tip Tops symbolizes the flowers blooming on rooftops and echoes the playful shapes of Shanghai's streetscapes, such as roofs, round windows, and flower beds, paying homage to the city's aesthetic details.

No.27 Blooming Like Flowers

Author: Sheng Jiaying (Student ID: 2340410)

Description:
The artwork features a young girl in her prime, adorned in a magnificent dress made entirely of fresh flowers. The flowers are clustered and layered, vibrant in color, as if she has stepped out of nature to bring a breath of freshness to the city's hustle and bustle. In the urban landscape, steel and concrete form towering skyscrapers, making natural elements especially precious. This bouquet of flowers, like parks and green spaces in the city, serves as a sanctuary for weary souls amidst the chaos. Despite being surrounded by noise, they continue to bloom brilliantly, offering spiritual solace and aesthetic enjoyment.

Using pressed flower techniques, the artwork perfectly preserves the texture and color of petals and leaves. The yellow background highlights the flowers' brightness, while light reflections add a dynamic touch. This piece is not just a representation of natural beauty but also a reflection on the coexistence of cities and nature. It reminds us to cherish natural beauty as we would this bouquet, allowing cities to shine with vibrant colors due to nature's embellishments, much like the young girl radiates youthful vitality in the bustling world, inspiring a longing for harmonious urban coexistence.

No.28 Deep-Sea Sprite

Author: Ma Yunzhi (Student ID: 2352284)
Materials: Sulfuric paper, dried flowers, leaf veins
Dimensions: 210mm x 297mm

Description:
The pressed flower artwork, titled Deep-Sea Sprite, depicts a jellyfish drifting in the deep sea, accompanied by floating seaweed and bubbles. Growing up in an inland city, I have always been fascinated by coastal cities and marine ecosystems, which inspired this ecological-themed creation. I used white, semi-transparent dried flower petals to layer the jellyfish's delicate bell, while flexible, slender grass leaves outline its flowing tentacles, as if dancing gracefully in an invisible ocean. Circular dried flowers represent the suspended bubbles around it, and the remaining leaf branches and碎花 (scattered flowers) create swaying seaweed.

Jellyfish, known as the sentinels of the ocean, often indicate subtle changes in marine ecosystems through fluctuations in their populations. Their fragile and dreamy appearance also represents the vulnerability of marine ecosystems. Cities are not isolated islands; their waste ultimately flows into the sea. By using terrestrial vegetation to abstractly represent marine life and plants, this artwork conveys the connection between urban and marine ecosystems. Protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity are central to sustainable development. Let these deep-sea sprites forever dance in healthy oceans, rather than becoming symbols of ecological imbalance.

No.29 Floral Window Realm

Author: Li Yongjie (Student ID: 2352994)

Description of Work 1:
Floral windows are where light meets nature, filters of time, and cracks in the soul. Through the transparency and veins of petals, we see not just colors and shapes but also inner landscapes illuminated by memory. Floral Window Realm is a miniature journey spanning reality and fantasy, where each window hides a metaphorical space of growth, dreams, and self-shelter.

Childhood dreams often begin with an unassuming little door. It might be hidden among flowers behind an old house, printed on a picture book cover, or quietly open in our minds when we close our eyes.

This artwork uses soft purple petals to create a small window, like a dream's reflection, slowly flickering between light and shadow. Purple, the most mysterious color in childhood fantasies, carries countless daydreams of magic, starry skies, and secret gardens. Green leaves intertwine like vines guarding the childlike heart, adding vitality and hope to this door.

Where does the door lead? Perhaps to an unfinished fairy tale or a fantasy garden专属 (exclusive) to you. It has no boundaries or rules but holds the softest corners of the childhood soul, wild imaginations, and a heart still willing to believe in miracles.

This little purple door doesn't necessarily lead far but definitely to the unforgotten self. Hidden among daily pages, it quietly points to a secret garden unknown to anyone, preserving pure beauty and hope deep within the heart.

Description of Work 2:
This artwork is a window to memory, leading to a sunny, leisurely childhood afternoon. Golden petals scatter like broken gold on paper, as if beams of dappled sunlight filter through window lattices into an old house, dancing in the dust. Looking through it, we don't see a real courtyard but the ever-blooming afternoon in our hearts. The sun is warm, the vegetation thrives, and everything is just right, like the breeze of early summer blowing through memory leaves. At this moment, the garden hasn't fully bloomed but is already beautiful enough. It speaks of the peaceful time before growth, a period we all once had, undisturbed and gentle.

The garden is not yet in full bloom, not because it hasn't arrived but because it's still growing—like us in childhood, full of curiosity and anticipation for the world. In this time without rushing or explanation, sunlight is the best companion, and everything is still possible, everything has just begun.

Through the texture and transparency of pressed flowers, this artwork seals that golden memory on paper, making us pause and look back—realizing that the most beautiful afternoon is hidden in that never-closing window of the heart.

No.30 Urban Lake Rhythm

Author: Song Hanxiang (Student ID: 2353684)
Materials: Sulfuric paper, white daisies, blue ageratum, purple flower spikes, yellow coreopsis, red leaves, green leaves
Dimensions: 210mm x 297mm

Description:
This pressed flower artwork, titled Urban Lake Rhythm, uses a lake as its rhyme to compose a poetic verse of urban-nature coexistence. The upper part is left blank like a clear sky, with a few thin petals transforming into floating clouds, stretching lightly and freely. Below, purple spike flowers wind like paths, connecting the city and lake scenery. On the left, stacked leaves outline the contours of modern skyscrapers; on the right, blue flower clusters form a lake, with layered petals resembling rippling waves, clear and serene. Using natural floral materials, the artwork cleverly blends urban prosperity with lake tranquility, creating a leisurely atmosphere of shimmering water on a sunny day, allowing viewers to feel the poetic daily life where city, water, nature, and humanity merge, just like every city and lake is a painting, showcasing the unique beauty of urban habitats where strength and softness coexist, and conveying a beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

No.31 Watching Over the Withering

Author: Si Chenye (Student ID: 2353960)
Materials: Violas, cosmos, ramie leaves, verbena

Description of Creation Process and Theme:
First, ramie leaves form the broad skeleton of the butterfly. Then, we use white violas to highlight its beauty, while delicate light blue-purple verbena adds an elegant touch. The entire butterfly is adorned with relatively fresh and vibrant plants (such as cosmos), symbolizing that the butterfly's wings carry the essence of spring's beauty. In contrast, the lower part features intentionally slanted and pressed verbena, with leaves deliberately trimmed into a broken appearance, reflecting the severe damage花草 (flowers and plants) suffer during urbanization. Humans should reflect on how much harm our environmentally destructive behaviors have caused to ecosystems.

Poem:
Butterfly Loves Flowers - Standing Leaning on a High Tower in the Gentle Breeze
Standing leaning on a high tower in the gentle breeze,
Gazing into the distance, spring sorrow
Darkly arises at the horizon.
Grass colors and smoke lights in the fading sunset.
Speechless, who understands my feelings by the railing?

I intend to drown my sorrows in drunkenness,
Singing to wine, yet forced joy tastes flavorless.
My belt gradually loosens, and I grow thinner without regret.
For her, I waste away, emaciated.

This deep love is willing to make one emaciated,
Willing to endure suffering for love,
As it has become an inseparable obsession in life.
This is the scene's inspiration for this artwork. The poet uses the butterfly to symbolize the beloved, and the flowers to represent the object of affection.

No.32 Knight and Flowers

Author: 2450499 Zhou Yang

Work Introduction:
The work resembles a gamecock, an animal favored by the British aristocracy from the Middle Ages to modern times, reaching its peak popularity in the 16th century. It's even mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV. Later, it became the emblem of the renowned British football club, Tottenham Hotspur. In 2025, the team lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy, dominating Europe again after 41 years. After the victory, a grand championship celebration and parade took place in North London, with streets adorned with white flowers that matched the team's jerseys. Fans hugged each other excitedly, creating a scene of immense joy. The pure white flowers united the city, players, and citizens, crafting a lively and cheerful picture.

No.33 A Leisurely Stroll Along the Secluded Path

Author: 2450958 Zhu Jiaqi

Materials: Sulfuric acid paper; dried flowers (hibiscus, cherry blossoms, etc.); fallen leaves (peltophorum pterocarpum, adiantum capillus-veneris, etc.); glue
Size: 210mm * 297mm

Work Introduction:
This pressed flower art piece, titled A Leisurely Stroll Along the Secluded Path, delicately depicts a young girl meandering along a forest path in an urban oasis. It skillfully incorporates common urban flowers and fallen leaves, using the soft overlap of petals to mimic the lightness and elegance of the girl's long dress, vividly capturing her nimble movements as she jumps along the path. The dark tones of the fallen leaves highlight the path's steady texture, while the two distinct scenes at the path's end cleverly blend the vitality of nature with urban transformation. Strolling alone, one can truly say, The fresh air refreshes the lungs, and a leisurely walk brings inner peace. The girl moves lightly through the woods, seemingly merging with nature, forgetting the urban hustle and bustle, and leaving only tranquility and joy in her heart, showcasing the profound meaning and charm of the work.

No.34 Fat Butterfly

Author: 2451153 Sherpidin Abula

Materials: Sulfuric acid paper; purple petals and flowers; beautiful leaves and small petals
Size: 210mm * 297mm

Work Introduction:
The work, named Fat Butterfly, uses purple, yellow, and orange petals to create the shape of a butterfly. Leaves serve as the butterfly's body, with purple petals forming its wings. Yellow and light purple petals are used for inner embellishment, creating a sense of color layering, while orange small leaves act as spots on the wings, making them more three-dimensional and realistic.

Story:
The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is a well-known process. In a forest on the outskirts of the city, the Fat Butterfly and a little ant were close friends. As the city expanded, the forest was destroyed, and they lost their home. The little ant, being agile, quickly moved, while the Fat Butterfly, as a caterpillar at the time, moved slowly. The little ant stuck broken branches and leaves on the Fat Butterfly for camouflage to avoid predators. After several relocations, the Fat Butterfly finally emerged from its cocoon as a butterfly. To everyone's surprise, the broken branches and leaves used for camouflage had transformed into its wings, and its stout figure remained unchanged. It flew towards the city. People were amazed by its beauty, unaware that these beautiful leaves and petals had become a swan song...

-  No.35 crane

2451507

The name of my pressed flower work is Crane. Due to the limited materials I had, I couldn't create a work with rich colors. So I was reminded of Chinese landscape paintings, and the image of a crane emerged. Then I used white to imitate the feathers on the crane's body, dark green broken leaves to outline the crane's head, and thinner grass stems to make the crane's legs and feet. Finally, I decorated the bottom with grass stems to form a fence and used white dried flowers to create auspicious clouds, creating a serene and pleasant image of a crane.

No.36 Flower Fireworks

Author: 2451751 Zhou Jinxuan

Work Introduction:
Flowers bloom in the city, and leaves imprint their marks on the human world. In the urban landscape, there are flowers and also fireworks. The urban night sky is often illuminated by human-made fireworks—the clamor of celebrations, the splendor of industrial civilization, and also sighs that fade in an instant. My work, Flower Fireworks, is a poetic transformation and ecological response to this imagery. Fireworks are fleeting, while plants endure. I've abandoned gunpowder and smoke, opting instead to use simple flowers and leaves sourced from the urban environment to construct this pressed flower piece, reconstructing the blooming posture of urban fireworks with urban flora. The flower fireworks are no longer transient moments of beauty but represent eternal natural beauty in the human world. They are no longer destroyers of the ecological environment but symbols of ecological wisdom, embodying harmony and coexistence with nature. In this bustling city, true and sustainable blooming may lie hidden in the overlooked, silent plant life at our feet and around us. With its frozen bloom, it tells the enduring poetry and resilience of urban habitats.

No.37 The Story of Four Girls

Author: 2452568 Bi Zhiling

Work Introduction:
This work aims to depict four girls, each with distinct personalities and stories. I have a great passion for creating characters with diverse personalities and backgrounds, and thus, I've chosen to represent four of them through pressed flowers.
Lily, on the far left, wears a long dress. She yearns for a simple life and often sits quietly by the pond in her cottage, observing the changes of the seasons and recording her inspirations and thoughts. Although introverted, her kindness and gentleness attract many friends, ensuring she never feels lonely in life.
Meimei, second from the left, dons a puffy skirt. Just as her skirt is flamboyant, Meimei is a lively girl who loves dancing and performing. She tries out new dance steps every day, dreaming of becoming a stage star one day. Meimei always carries her camera, capturing the shining moments of life. Her energy and laughter are infectious, filling every day with joy.
The third girl, Amy, is dressed in a tank top, short skirt, and high boots. Amy is a street artist who enjoys expressing her views and feelings through graffiti and performance art. She's not afraid to be different and seeks balance between fashion and individuality. Her style is eclectic, and her personality has a rebellious streak, with a unique perspective. Although she often gives off a cool exterior, she's warm-hearted and eager to help those in need.
Lastly, Sophie wears a long coat and vintage-style pants. Sophie is a young fashion consultant from an artistic family. She received a good education from a young age and has a unique understanding of aesthetics, with an exceptional eye for design and matching. She loves vintage styles and often incorporates this creativity into her outfits. Sophie not only focuses on fashion but is also passionate about culture and the arts, with a deep enthusiasm for classical music and painting.

No.38 Cat Silhouette Painted with Flowers

Author: 2453307 Huang Fangfang

Materials:

1. Pink/purple hydrangeas (The rounded petals create a fluffy appearance of the cat, symbolizing completeness and gentleness.)

2. Blue/purple violas (The petals form the cat's legs and feet, symbolizing love, hope, and loyalty.)

3. Fern fronds (Serving as the tail, they stand for vitality and tenacity, embodying the continuity of nature.)

Work Introduction:
The pressed flower work, titled Cat Silhouette Painted with Flowers, takes the silhouette of a cat as its core造型 (better to use design element). Through the natural forms of dried flowers, it collages and shapes to simulate the side-standing posture of a cat, combining the adorable cat silhouette with soft flowers to create a serene and healing atmosphere, permanently preserving the gentle moment of pets + nature.
Head: Stacked pink and purple flowers simulate the cat's rounded head, with white spikelets mimicking the ears.
Body: Using the density and color gradient of petals (pink → purple → blue), the cat's torso outline is constructed, with the natural curves of the flowers fitting the smoothness of the cat's body.
Tail: Green fern fronds simulate the slender form and lines of a cat's tail.

No.39 Floral Butterfly

Author: 2453937 Ilias Ali

Materials: A4 paper; fallen leaves; dried flowers; glue; tweezers
Size: 210mm * 297mm

Work Introduction:
The pressed flower work, titled Floral Butterfly, takes a perched butterfly as its imagery, using various flowers, petals, and leaves to create a vibrant piece through collage. The wings feature deep autumn maple leaves and petals—a gradient of crimson and gold reminiscent of a setting sun melting into gold. The natural radiating veins of the leaves resemble the skeleton of butterfly wings. I've meticulously cut and layered them. The butterfly's body is pieced together from slender dried leaves. During creation, I intentionally broke free from realistic constraints, with the sharp outlines of maple leaves echoing the coldness of glass curtain walls, and the tender texture of petals serving as a gentle microcosm of potted plants on balconies. Through color contrast (the fierceness of red leaves and the purity of white flowers) and texture contrast (the rigidity of leaves and the delicacy of petals), it delivers a powerful impact.

Story:
It was once an unnoticed autumn maple leaf in the shadow cast by tall buildings. When a shoe sole crushed its crimson veins, a boy bent down and picked up this scar in the city's cracks. The boy trimmed the damaged edges of the maple leaf with scissors, transforming its withered curve into the sharp edges of butterfly wings—the cold light reflected by office building glass curtain walls. The butterfly's body was pieced together from slender branches fallen from plane trees, resembling intertwined elevated highways. Purple iris petals adorning the wings were the last traces of spring salvaged from a wildflower patch beside a demolition fence. Deep at night, the butterfly in the pressed flower book suddenly fluttered its wings. It flew over the brightly lit Tongji Library, with the northern and southern buildings aglow, and neon lights scorching the veins on its left wing; it perched on the escalator at a subway vent, using its petals to soak up the lingering scent of cigarettes from night shift workers. At the top of the tallest office building, it pressed its wings against the starry sky, discovering that its leaf veins coincided with the patterns of the urban power grid. Before dawn, it returned to the boy's windowsill. People always say specimens are frozen moments of death, but the boy knows the truth: when the first ray of sunlight pierced the tiny holes in the maple leaf wings, all the fallen leaves once trampled, wildflowers once cleared, and branches once pruned came back to life in the frequency of the butterfly's wing vibrations. Now, it eternally perches in this work—Floral Butterfly.

-  No.40 A Bird in Flight  

2459209 Choi Eunji

This pressed flower artwork captures the moment of a bird spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, using the delicate beauty of nature’s materials. Set against a bright yellow background with a white canvas at the center, the piece brings together an array of petals, green leaves, and yellow wildflowers to form a vibrant and lively bird in motion.

At the heart of the composition, soft purple and pale yellow petals come together to shape the bird’s body and head. What makes this piece truly unique is the way the green leaves and yellow wildflowers are used to represent the bird’s wings. Each leaf and flower is carefully layered, mimicking the texture and structure of feathers, and giving the wings a sense of movement and energy. The fresh green of the leaves and the cheerful yellow of the wildflowers blend harmoniously, emphasizing the dynamic beauty and vitality of the bird’s outstretched wings.

The smaller petals and leaves at the tips of the wings evoke the image of feathers fluttering in the wind, adding a sense of lightness and liveliness to the artwork. The natural colors and shapes of the petals and leaves work together to create a three-dimensional, realistic effect, making the bird appear as if it could take flight at any moment.

Through this piece, I wanted to express the freedom and hope symbolized by a bird in flight, while also celebrating the unique charm of each natural material. Every petal and leaf was chosen and arranged with care to highlight its original color and texture, resulting in a harmonious depiction of nature’s vitality. I hope this artwork inspires viewers to feel a sense of comfort and encouragement, reminding them to pursue their dreams with the same boldness and grace as a bird flying freely through the sky.

-  No.41 sea bloom

Materials: Parchment paper (assuming sulfuric acid paper is a mis - translation and you mean parchment paper which is commonly used in art for its translucent quality; if it indeed refers to a special sulfur - treated paper, you can adjust accordingly); Fallen leaves; Dried flowers; Leaf veins

Size: 210mm * 297mm

“Sea Bloom” is a mesmerizing pressed flower composition that captures the ethereal beauty of a jellyfish suspended in motion. Crafted entirely from delicate blooms, the piece harmonizes warm and cool tones to evoke the tranquil yet dynamic essence of ocean life. The jellyfish’s trailing tentacles are a cascade of fiery reds, golden yellows, and soft purples, with muted green accents adding organic depth. Each petal is thoughtfully arranged to create a sense of fluidity, as if the creature is drifting effortlessly through unseen currents. 

In striking contrast, the bell-shaped head shimmers in shades of blue, forming a serene, cool-toned focal point against the warmth below. The gradient from vibrant tentacles to the softer, dreamlike dome enhances the illusion of depth, mimicking the play of light in water. 

The name “Sea Bloom” perfectly encapsulates the piece’s dual nature: a fusion of floral artistry and marine wonder. Every element is intentional, the choice of flowers, their placement, and even the slight imperfections in the petals enhance the organic, lifelike quality of the work. Upon closer inspection, tiny details emerge, each adding to the story of this botanical sea creature.

More than just an arrangement, Sea Bloom is a poetic meditation on nature’s ability to transcend boundaries. It invites the viewer to imagine a world where flowers drift like jellyfish and the ocean blooms with petals. The fragility of the pressed flowers contrasts with the enduring beauty of the composition, reminding us of the fleeting yet timeless magic found in both gardens and the deep sea. Whimsical yet deeply serene, this piece is a testament to the quiet artistry hidden in nature’s smallest details.

-  No.42 Blooming in the City: Exploring the Art of Pressed Flowers in Urban Habitats

2570076 Malena Gronda Garrigues

In a quiet corner of a sunlit room, where dust motes danced like tiny stars, a girl named Elia pressed flowers between the pages of forgotten books. Each petal, fragile and faded, held the memory of summer meadows and whispered secrets of the wind. One day, while arranging her floral keepsakes onto a thick piece of parchment, her fingers paused, drawn by instinct and imagination. 

Slowly, carefully, she assembled them. A butterfly began to form, not of flesh and flutter, but of blossoms long past bloom. Its wings blushed crimson and rose, petals veined like stained glass. She added petals on top of petals, leaves that created the silhouette of the body, and stems that market the outline. When she pressed it to the page, it didn’t seem trapped. It seemed... 

alive. 

That night, under the watchful eye of a waxing moon, the collage shimmered faintly. The air grew still. Then, the butterfly lifted from the paper, wings rustling like dry leaves. It hovered in the quiet dark, tracing lazy spirals above Elia’s sleeping form. 

The butterfly was not alone. The room filled with the scent of pressed summers, and from the pages of her books, flowers uncurled. Daisies and violets, wild poppies and foxgloves, every memory she’d sealed away awakened. The butterfly danced among them, drawing color back into brittle petals, reminding them of who they had been. 

By morning, only the collage remained, still on paper, but subtly changed. A shimmer in the wings. A deeper hue in the petals. And somewhere in the center of its heart, a seed pulsing softly. Elia smiled. It wasn’t just art anymore. It was a garden waiting to take flight again.