I got an email back from Julia from Platform China in Beijing, she sent notes from the girls that we worked with that night – the seamstresses – Inspired by the work of Lygia Clarke, and the positive social aspirations of the Fluxus group (in particular Yoko Ono) we also invited 5 seamstresses. Slowly, over the seven courses, the seamstresses sewed the guests together tracking the emotional connections of the conversation. As each of the guests engaged with each other, the seamstress would mark the connection via sewing their clothes together. As the dinner progressed, the stitching became tighter and more tense. The dinner table became a physical web of emotional connections. Accelerated intimacy (and insecurities) erupted, great conversation were catalyzed and friendships formed. The sewn clothes of the guests remained as an artifact. We have sent them back to Australia on the slow boat.
This makes me wonder if we can redo this event in Chongqing. My first thoughts are on the streets – at a street restaurant – but I worry about the crowds? Or in the gallery – but I think the streets would be better – to see responses, etc. I shall talk to Nikun about it. Invite the art students to take part.
I have also been thinking about a range of photos – something to do with chopsticks and smile training but I am still unsure of what to do. Something with the street vendors.
Funeral criers
http://madamepickwickartblog.com/2011/06/the-waile…
More:http://www.danwei.org/music/professional_mourners.php
For some reason, Chongqing has many funeral criers – up to 2000 of them. I am still yet to find out why this is. Funeral crying is popular in eastern europe, in taiwain, and greece.
I think the idea is, is that the criers help conjure up emotional intensity. The Professional wailers are performers and they paid to cry for the deceased through anguished songs. It is an ancient custom, but during Mao’s Cultural Revolution wailing was banned. “Now, in the reform era of go-go capitalism, its seeing a revival”.
I am not sure who will show up – so it will be hard to know how to shoot – I figure we get the whole gallery ready – two lights, tripod. From my research, it suggests they might fall to the ground – how long can we expect this? What is it like to be a funeral cryer – should I interview them as well? I really need to think this out
