Xiaowu (Joe) Peng is an independent artist, filmmaker and performer. Her daily works are mostly based on her own experiences and emotions, focusing on the combination of inner expression and natural things in different contexts. Her works include film, video, performance, installation, poetry, performance and physical theatre.
Xiaowu (Joe) Peng
I am exploring forms of emotional expression and interaction in long-distance relationships through a participatory art project. Throughout the research and practice of the project, the artistic expression will outweigh the exploration of 'problem-solving'. Because I have always believed that no matter how much technology extends the dimension of sensory experience, it cannot replace the real touch and embrace. Therefore, I do not want to work too much from the perspective of scientific research or product design, but the whole project focuses on helping participants in a long-distance relationship to express their feelings through small experiments and artistic methods, and to build more connections about the relationship. It is worth mentioning that the participants in the long distance are not only in romantic relationships, but also friendships, family relationships, and some even with their pets.
With the effects of distance and time, we often feel lonely and depressed, and it is a healing process to record and express this artistically. I hope that the participants can gain a sense of happiness in self-expression and also find more connection points and possibilities for human emotions and relationships in the process of co-creating with me.
The mediums that may be used throughout the project include film, writing, image, workshop, installation, sound, and performance, some of which will be co-created by the participants with my guidance, the content and style of the work will be determined by the different relationships and personalities of each participant. Ultimately I will integrate all the works into one exhibition, and I hope that when the audience sees this small exhibition they will feel warmth, resonance, or reflection.
A DAY IN TWO PLACES –
Voices from two places.
Participatory Art Project "Traces of Connection" - Outcome 1 - The Trees
Joe, who studies in London, loves trees and has made a suggestion to her boyfriend X, who lives in Hangzhou, China, about 'trees': to photograph one tree a day that they see on the road that they like best and send it to each other. Over the past five months, they have collected a large number of images of trees in which they can see the changing of the seasons. These vital records and expressions are both a memory of two cities and a distant emotional connection between two lovers.
Participatory Art Project "Traces of Connection" - Outcome 2 - Two Journeys
A pair of long-distance friends each document their journey.
From Tokyo and Lisbon.
A visual expression of coincidence and connection.
In Collaboration with:
Medium:
Video installation, Two-screen film
Participatory Art Project - Traces of Connection - Outcome 3 - Under The Moonlight
There is such solitude in that gold.
The moon of these nights is not the moon
The first Adam saw. Long centuries
Of human vigil have filled her with
An old lament. See. She is your mirror.
Moon, Jorge Luis Borges
In Collaboration with:
Medium:
Performance, Video
Workshop - Traces of Connection
A relaxing afternoon, a group of people sitting together sharing their stories - about their long-distance relationships - with family, friends, lovers or pets.
Leaves
If I were a flower, you could be my leaf.
We came from the same soil and basked in the sun together.
Now I long for faraway places but do not have the courage to pull out my roots.
So you told me that you would become my wings, and that the soft shape would have strength.
Since then, I have not been just silent.
If distance is a test, then I will fight to fly.
One day I will know how far the love can travel.