Dragonfly Eyes: What Counts as Art Today? | Xu Bing || Radcliffe Institute | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Xu Bing discusses his diverse body of work, including his renowned installations, films, and prints, and emphasizes the importance of pushing artistic boundaries and questioning societal norms.

Transcript

• Good afternoon everyone. I'm Tomiko Brown-Nagin, the Dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. I'm so happy to see you today and to welcome you to today's Kim and Judy Davis dean's lecture in the arts. This event is part of a series established by Kim and Judy Davis to feature leading artists, scholars, and scientists in public talks he... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Xu Bing's artwork challenges our perceptions of language, culture, and perception itself.
• 🌍 He explores the complexities of translation and interpretation in a globalized world.
• 😒 Xu Bing's use of unconventional materials and manipulations of visual traditions spark dialogue about recognition and misrecognition.
• 🎥 His film "Dragonfly Eyes" exemplifies his exploration of surveillance and the post-surveillance era.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Xu Bing's work address the challenges of translation and cultural misinterpretation?

Xu Bing's exploration of translation, shown in works like "Square Word Calligraphy," highlights the complexities of meaning and interpretation across cultural and linguistic boundaries. His works emphasize how a work can impact different audiences in different ways.

Q: What is the significance of Xu Bing's use of unconventional materials, such as trash and natural debris, in his installations?

Xu Bing's use of unconventional materials in his "Background Story" series challenges our recognition and understanding of visual traditions. By presenting paintings that are actually shadow and light box installations made from trash and natural debris, Xu highlights the fluidity of perception and the potential for misrecognition.

Q: How does Xu Bing's film, "Dragonfly Eyes," contribute to our understanding of surveillance and contemporary society?

"Dragonfly Eyes" showcases Xu Bing's unique approach to filmmaking, using solely surveillance footage to create a narrative film. The film highlights the expansion of surveillance technology into the hands of individuals and private companies in contemporary society, emphasizing the post-surveillance era we live in.

Q: How does Xu Bing navigate the intersection between art and commercial opportunities in China?

Xu Bing acknowledges that art can serve different functions, from beautifying spaces to becoming commodities. He reflects on the special concept or way of thinking expressed through his artwork that collectors and museums find valuable, highlighting the importance of pushing artistic boundaries.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Xu Bing's art explores the relationship between perception and reality, challenging our assumptions about language and culture.

• His iconic work "Book from the Sky" uses thousands of carefully designed characters to expose the fragility of perception and the written word.

• Xu's use of translation and visual manipulation in works like "Square Word Calligraphy" and "Background Story" address the complexities of meaning and recognition.