Daniel Templeman

Daniel Templeman was born in Brisbane in 1974. Pivotal to his public art practice is a desire to imbue his work with a sense of place. Often this is achieved through creating work that amplifies, or contrasts the dynamics that the site and its surroundings present. Templeman develops his work within the notion of change: as light and/or the viewer move - to, through, and around the work, one’s perception of the work and/or the site changes. Ultimately the work changes its environment as much as the environment changes it. The work is a sculptural proposition that invites the viewer into an exchange between object and subject, body and site. 

Templeman has been working predominately in public art since 2003, with over 20 large-scale commissions that stretch across Australia, from Perth to Melbourne to North Queensland, and several project with UAP in China. Recently he partnered with marine engineers Subcon on the world’s first buoyant artificial reef, Wonder Reef on the Gold Coast, Australia

Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital is a premium international hospital located in Shenzhen, with its influence extending throughout the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. It is a high-end international medical center that combines medical treatment, education, and research. Established through a collaboration between Taikang Insurance Group and Qianhai Investment Holding, the hospital is committed to providing value-based medical care and exceptional experiences, aiming to be recognized as a distinguished international medical practice and research hub.

UAP (Urban Art Projects) was commissioned to create custom works for the prominent location of Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital. Before starting the project, UAP thoroughly surveyed the site and gained an understanding of its surroundings. They chose "The Hippocratic Oath Written with Life" as the theme for their work to honor the resilient spirit of medical professionals who bravely face challenges and highlight Taikang's dedication to respecting, caring for, protecting, and healing lives.

UAP commissioned Australian artist Daniel Templeman to create a large-scale artwork for the main entrance of the outpatient department of Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital. The artwork, titled Beneath the Flowers, Above the Leaves, consists of three interconnected rings inspired by the Bougainvillea, the city flower of Shenzhen, and the sky blue color representing Taikang Healthcare. The triple sets of double rings resemble the three bracts of the Bougainvillea, each symbolizing Taikang's three core values: respecting life, caring for life, and honoring life. Beneath the Flowers, Above the Leaves exemplifies the healing energy of life, blending Shenzhen's natural and cultural characteristics to showcase Taikang's compassion for individual lives through heartwarming art.

Beneath the Flowers, Above the Leaves stands tall on the lawn at the main entrance of Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang International Hospital, embraced by lush coconut trees which resembles a miniature tropical oasis. During the creative process, artist Daniel Templeman adopted a blue gradient as the primary color scheme, skillfully incorporating the scenery of crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches into the artwork. "Beneath the Flowers, Above the Leaves" narrates the unceasing cycle of life through its fluid and dynamic lines, captivating visitors who pause to admire its beauty.

The sculpture named Beneath the Flowers, Above the Leaves is an impressive 3.5 meters tall and 6.6 meters wide, with each of its meticulously designed rings measuring approximately 2.6 meters wide. These rings resemble the wheel of life, gently rotating amidst the interplay of light and shadow. As viewers shift their perspectives, the rings transform into endless possibilities, taking on life-like qualities as they intertwine and form ever-changing shapes. From a bird's-eye view, the three sets of rings appear independent, each outlining the shape of a heart. Even at eye level, two or three rings can inadvertently form interconnected hearts. The artist weaves a warm and romantic scene with their unique artistic language, immersing viewers in the subtle warmth and beauty that effortlessly emanates from the work.