Reading by an Artist (…) adopts the technique of the Purple Star Astrology (紫微斗数), a metaphysical philosophy dating back to imperial China, to forecast events in the life of invited participants and shed light on their challenges.
The performance artwork is akin to a metaphysical portrait captured in long exposure, without the usual photographic apparatus of a camera and the end product of a photograph. In each session, a ‘likeness’ of the sitter, reminiscent to a print being developed in the darkroom, gradually comesinto sharper focus as one obtains clarity of the intrinsic qualities in one’s life and the constellation of choices which shapes them. A table in the performance transforms it into a space of intimate encounter, collective reflection, and evolving dialogue. The participant sits with the artist at one corner, preserving the one-to-one reading experience that lies at the heart of the practice. The remainder of the table is covered with a handwritten canvas, weighted by nine stones, on which questions submitted by prior participants are answered by the artist.
Visitors are invited to approach the table, locate their questions, and witness their answers in person. Those who chance upon the performance may also submit questions on the spot, which will be recorded and answered in turn, allowing the work to grow and evolve as a living archive of inquiry.
Table of Inquiry, Reading by an Artist
Fri, 23 Jan (12-12:30pm, 12:40-1:10pm, 1:20-1:50pm)
Sat, 24 Jan (12-12:30pm, 12:40-1:10pm, 1:20-1:50pm)
Registration is now closed.
Audience members are free to watch the reading and no registration is required.
Nine Chairs
Across all fair days, 11:00AM – 7:00pm
Audience members are free to interact with the chairs and no registration is required.
Location: Platform, Level 1
