Prosodic grains (2024)

The theme of “Prosodic Grains” is derived from the Southern Dynasties literary historian Shen Yue’s “Treatise on Xie Lingyun” in the Book of Song, which refers to the level and oblique tones in classical Chinese. “Floating Sounds” denotes the level tones, while “Sharp Echoes” refers to the oblique tones. In the creation of classical Chinese poetry, the interplay of high and low pitches, along with the contrasts of rise and fall, is essential for achieving harmony and aesthetic pleasure. This reflects the ancient Chinese language’s emphasis on “musicality.”

Shen Yue believed that since the beginning of human existence, we have been moved by the myriad changes of the world, leading to a fundamental need to express and convey emotions. From this need, songs and verses emerged, giving words different kinds of vitality through the rhythm of sound.

Thus, the exhibition poses new questions: How can various types of “sounds” create emotional resonance? How do people communicate through language? What forms can language take? How can we connect with others beyond language? How can we love and embrace the world beyond ourselves?

In response to these questions, the exhibition is divided into four distinct thematic areas that aim to interpret and address them. It seeks to help people overcome superficial barriers to communication and rediscover the original intention behind dialogue and consensus. Through the medium of the exhibition space, a dialogue across time and space is facilitated amidst the blending of rhythms.

Text from by art matters homepage.

Exhibiting Artists:
Allora & Calzadilla、Oliver Beer、Natalie Bookchin、CHANG Yuchen、Jonathas de Andrade、Ryan Gander、GUO Tiantian、Ann Veronica Janssens，Michel François、Christine Sun Kim、George Koutsouris、Angelica Mesiti、SU Xiangpan、SHEN Xin、Layla Vardo、XUE Yayuan、YANG Chi-Chuan、YAO Qingmei.

Curator:
SUN Man

Assistant Curator:
CHANG Yixuan