Rhode Island, US
"Fragmented Body" is an exploration aimed at establishing a responsive architecture methodology, acknowledging the intricate connections between bodies, land, and materials. Through immersive performances at RISD beach, the project redefines the body as a dynamic site, revealing how each part of us perceives and interacts uniquely with natural processes present on the site. This approach highlights the body's multifaceted and multi-sensorial perception of the world, unveiling profound insights into our interconnectedness with our surroundings and how we respond to it."
This embodied exploration seeks firsthand understanding of how my body reacts to and resonates with the ever-changing forces of the environment. The project employs a dual perspective, capturing sweeping aerial views through a drone and intimate intricacies through six strategically placed cameras on my body. Each body part is treated as a distinct entity, capturing and expressing unique reactions to the unfolding moments.
In the exhibition space, both footages are meticulously presented. Each frame unravels as a narrative—a mosaic of diverse experiences perceived by different parts of the body. These videos are projected onto a deliberately slashed canvas, creating a visual metaphor encapsulating the contradictory experiences our bodies often navigate in diverse territories. The canvas symbolizes the intricate relationship between our bodies and landscapes—sometimes grappling with a sense of disconnection, while at other times, experiencing the profound sensation of belonging and seamlessly becoming part of the ecosystem. This visual representation adds layers of complexity to the narrative, prompting profound contemplation on the nuanced relationship between the body and its surroundings.
At its essence, "Fragmented Body" delves into the profound connection between the body and the land. The culmination of these experiences highlights the body as a multifaceted entity, perpetually perceiving and responding to the world.
Sol Koffler Gallery, PVD, Rhode Island, US
Images: Jingwen Cao