Dao: Fen-Tao (Passage: the Divided Peach Tea) 道·分桃

Hybrid media installation: dimensions and mediums vary
以多元媒介为载体的装置艺术

Physical exhibitions do NOT have traditional art statement or wall text presented on site. Instead, a Glossary (here) is used as the alternative. The project description below is for curatorial and promotional purpose only.
Alluding to one of the historical Chinese euphemisms for homosexuality known as “fen-tao (分桃)” or the “divided peach”, this interactive, process-based project explores the concept of sharing and ephemerality, with motifs inspired by the original story written by Han, Feizi (韩非子) in the 3rd Century BC.

Similar to Dao: Duan-Xiu, the visual forms of Dao: Fen-Tao’s iterations are site-specific to the exhibition spaces. By design, the overall installation is adaptable to different venues and themes. In addition, a Glossary is included as an integral part of the work, intending to invite nonlinear, multi-perspective interpretations from the audiences.

Iteration: Arcade | 第二版：Arcade（游·廊）, 2019
Nuit Rose 2019: Arcade | 多伦多 NUIT ROSE 艺术节 2019,
in partnership with Critical Distance (CDCC)

Site-specific installation with hybrid media (only the main components of this iteration are listed below)
  1. Motion-sensing lightbox: see video demo below
  2. Shadow box: digital prints on transparent film, DIY dividers, glitter paper background
  3. Glossary: digital prints on transparent film, nails, earth magnet
  4. Instructions for viewers’ activity: infographics printed on laminated paper
In response to the theme of “arcade”, this iteration was inspired by how old-school arcade games function as devices of exchange. For instance, by inserting a coin into the gaming machine, the machine provides back an experience for a limited amount of time.

Furthermore, this project integrates the idea of exchange with visual storytelling, as the motion-sensing lightbox encourages physical movement from the viewers for activation.

Curator: Emily Peltier