Word by Word
The Great Word
Curated by Nikolaus Ellrodt
“Word by Word: The Great Word” is a thematic exhibition exploring Chinese characters, books, and the act of reading. Inspired by ancient scholars like Confucius and Zhu Xi, it emphasizes deep, mindful engagement with texts over fragmented information. In contrast to today’s fast-paced, media-driven consumption, the exhibition invites viewers to rediscover the richness of literature, poetry, and cultural heritage—reclaiming reading as a meaningful, transformative act.
Grandpa 2024
Shi Liu
By using artificial intelligence, Shi Liu not only replicated her grandfather’s handwriting but also trained the system with family-specific data, allowing the machine to respond in his grandfather’s voice and tone. It feels as if he is still present—continuing to take part in the everyday life of the family.
Global Tablet
Shi Liu
Shiliu’s installation consists of 35 recycled Apple phone cases that have been transformed into stone-like tablets, creating a maze filled with both real and AI-generated scripts.
Some of the inscriptions are taken from actual writing systems, while others have been algorithmically created to resemble various global scripts.
This blending of real and artificial challenges viewers to differentiate between the two, prompting a reflection on how cultural identities are both deconstructed and remade in the age of globalization.
Ink of Memory: Reading and Heritage
Chen Linggang
Chen Linggang’s Reading and Heritage series reinterprets Chinese culture through a contemporary lens. By transforming traditional elements, his work revives the spirit of ink painting and reconnects art with history.
Using paper and ink, Chen departs from classical styles to explore the essence of ink painting in a personal and modern way.
