The Dreamy Fish(Le poisson rêveur), 2023

Moving image, sound

The artwork is a multidisciplinary exploration that weaves a narrative about the intricate relationship between humans and nonhumans in a post-apocalyptic world. Drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese philosophy and literature, the work adapts Pu Songling’s tale “The Raksha Country and the Sea Market” to create a surreal and thought-provoking narrative. The project employs a combination of installations and the moving image to offer an immersive experience, with a focus on blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, old and contemporary, and human and nonhuman. The central narrative follows a protagonist who finds themselves in a land inhabited by locals with fish appearances, highlighting the complexities of human-nonhuman interactions and the challenges of intergroup communication. The use of fish as a symbol represents the nuanced and evolving dynamics between humans and other species, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and culture. The work employs storytelling as a space for unconventional and abstract expressions, aiming to foster understanding and care for the other, even within a detached narrative tone. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the artwork encourages viewers to explore the profound connection between humans and nonhumans and reflect on the blurred boundaries that exist between them. The moving image presents a rich tapestry of elements, encompassing drawings, video game aesthetics, digital depictions of outer space, real-world footage, animations, and textual components. It is believed by the artist that art as a metalanguage has the power to transcend the boundaries of everyday reality to create a deeper connection with the audience.

It is part of the BFA exhibition 2023 at the Academy of Fine Art, Uniarts Helsinki.

Video