CHINA TRIP Day 18: Feelings Are Facts

Friday, June 4

Our last lecture was on contemporary art expression in China. I wasn’t sure what to expect since the type of art we had been exposed to so far during our trip were the paintings and such we’ve seen in the museums. I was actually surprised to learn of the avant/garde type of performance art in China because I thought that even art would be censored. Art is more visual and can have a broad impact than merely an online article. I find it interesting that due to China’s history with the Cultural Revolution, all their art can basically be considered “modern,” at least, in my opinion. I’m also unsure of how the Chinese people view modern art, especially after the Cultural Revolution wiped out many aspects of Chinese culture. Since avant/garde art is often up to interpretation, even when purposely bringing a social issue to light, I was a little bothered to learn that authorities prohibit artistic performers from communicating directly with their audience. I’m not surprised, given the CCP’s obsession with preserving the political system, but disappointed that people aren’t allowed to interact with art.

To complement our lecture, we visited the famous 798 Art Zone. I definitely wasn’t sure what to expect in the beginning. I thought it would be more of an art museum than a community. Once we were well inside the district, it felt like we had been transported out of the city. I wouldn’t have been able to point a way out; the district seemed to go on in every direction. I was definitely interested in seeing the work done by modern artists. I had been to a couple art museums in the United States, and in my head I wanted to compare them even though I know that you can’t really compare artwork. It was fascinating to go from seeing 3D/sculpture type of thought-provoking art to specific, focused 2D art such as paintings and photographs. My absolute favorite exhibit was the “Feelings Are Facts,” colored smoke room.

It had to be one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I don’t think I was as unsure of what to expect as then. The smoke was intense but once my eyes and lungs adjusted I slowly moved around. In a way I felt blindfolded, or at least felt the same type of anxiety I’d feel if I were blindfolded. I couldn’t see anything around me except for bright pink smoke and I walked slowly for fear of accidentally bumping into someone or hitting a wall since I couldn’t judge how big the room was either. I was a little relieved when I ran into one of the other students because then I realized that I would be able to see if something or someone was around. The smoke only numbed my sight and hearing within a few feet. As I kept going, the colors changed smoothly and at one point I stood still and just moved my head from left to right. I saw the entire spectrum flash in front of my eyes.

I wouldn’t be able to communicate what I was feeling but I was more than amazed. I was enthralled with this exhibit and wanted to stay there for the rest of the day. I kept walking until I met up with a few more students near the far end of the rectangular room. The floor curved upward and joined the wall in forming an arc. A couple of the boys kept egging us to go upward but due to my footwear lacking grip I only ventured forward a few steps before turning back. I got a sense of what you were supposed to feel. It felt as though the path didn’t end and you could keep walking, even upward. However, once you got to a certain point your feet gave way and you just fell. It wasn’t exactly slippery so I’m still not sure how or why people fell, but since I also have a fear of falling I’m glad I didn’t try it. I wished there were more of these exhibits around the world, and wanted it to be a traveling one such as the “Bodies…The Exhibition” which is currently all over North America.

I wondered about the title of the exhibit though. I am sure the artist purposely titled the exhibit, however, it is often difficult to convey an exact definition through translations. If the English title is a translation, I wondered how close to the actual meaning it is. Was the artist trying to depict that feelings are real and that people can physically become aware of their feelings through art? I want to assume that the English title is as close to the Chinese meaning and there is very minimal missing in translation. The smoke room experience may honestly be the first time I really felt inspired by “art” and genuinely want to share my experience with the rest of the world. I’ve been moved by pieces of art before and I can certainly appreciate various types of art. But nothing compared to that exhibit and I would love to experience it again.

After an early yummy dinner with J.Nobs (I had korean food), a bunch of us headed to the Zoo market since no one else had a chance to go there. I bought quite a few things and so did Laura. Afterward, we headed to the cafe near campus to do our Internet errands before getting ready to go out. We just hit up Sanlitun again and hung out and around. We found a couple places with rooftop views, which was a nice, relaxing change of pace. When we eventually got back, Laura and I were in such a good mood that we wanted to bug some of the guys for not meeting up with us like planned. We recruited Jimmy and York and even took Eric's keys to try to bug Shane (who didn't come out because he wasn't feeling well) but he had deadbolted the door so even with the keys we couldn't get in. When that failed, we all just went to bed haha.