Shi Jian (2014), Art Now Live Tour, Anyang, Linzhou CN

Shi Jian was inspired by a spontaneous action I performed during the S.P.A.M. group performance at Future Of Imagination 9 in Singapore. Holding a water-soaked kitchen towel above my head, I became captivated by the way drops fell - first fast and abundant, then slow and irregular - sparking my interest in exploring the fluid, multifaceted concept of time through action. Reimagining the action as a solo piece, I incorporated black ink to write the Chinese ideogram for "time" on the towel, allowing it to dissolve and disappear before the audience’s eyes in a quiet, meditative setting at the Linzhou Cultural Centre. The performance involved slow, deliberate movements under a dusty dome, inviting the audience into contemplative reflection as the ideogram blurred and the water dripped at irregular intervals, ending with a sense of calm completion and gratitude toward the viewers.

The audience’s response was unexpectedly emotional and encouraging, with some moved to tears and others offering praise. A senior artist suggested I continue exploring the performance with different materials.

Photo Sophia Natasha Wei