Chinese artist Liang Shaoji, known for his multidisciplinary silkworm installations, died at age 81 in Shanghai following an illness, announced ShanghART Gallery, his longtime dealer.

“It is with profound sadness that ShanghART Gallery announces the passing of Liang Shaoji,” reads the gallery’s social media post. In 1989, Liang began his lifelong project known as the “Nature Series,” defined by his research and art practice involving silkworms and silk farming as a “creation medium” and “collaborative partners.”