Kung Fu has been used in the film industries to portray an ideology of Chinese as being proficient in martial art and protective of their race. This is the product of a culture under pressure and fighting against invasions. The idealistic heroic images have been created through exaggerated and spectacular aesthetic in movement.
Sanjhan is a video project started with documenting. I visited Siluo in Yunlin, where Taiwanese traditional martial art began. From the research, I found that the generations of martial art practices started in the early colonial society. These sets of martial art practices from hundreds of years was passed on and created various legends in multiple bodies. However, the real essence of martial art has vanished visually. Through the eyes and breath of people who practiced various inner disciplines, I tried to rediscover the essence. In closing our eyes, we imagine the fast disappearing Taiwanese martial art practices, and the empty shells and ashes from a culture rejuvenation in vain.
Opening :17th October, 7:30pm
Duration : 17th October - 21th November, Every Thursday-Sunday 2-8pm
Venue : Open Contemporary Art Center. (No. 24, Zhongxing Street, Taipei City / MRT: Shilin Station)