I originally studied glassblowing in Hong Kong. Back then, I was already using my glass objects for larger installations with which I interacted and performed. What still fascinates me about glassblowing is its performative aspect; that is, the process of making, during which uncontrollable factors play a role. The material can be moulded differently depending on the temperature and only for a short time. Although repetitive, the process always leads to something new.
At this year’s ACT Festival, a cooperation between various arts universities, I contributed a performance. Given the limited time, I began with a live broadcast. It started at my home, from where I travelled to the venue on a suitcase, which came along with me from Hong Kong to Zürich. The journey took about 2.5 hours. At the venue, people could follow my route on-screen. When I arrived outside the building, they came out to greet me. I came up with the idea of the suitcase because people around me often struggle to find affordable accommodation in Zurich. In my case, relocating from Hong Kong to Switzerland compounded matters.
My generation of Hong Kongers has been struggling to move somewhere or even nowhere since the political situation changed after 2019. My life seems to fit into a suitcase, and I seem to be moving house all the time. I approach this serious issue with a sense of humour. Sitting on the suitcase, my feet barely touch the ground. I ride on it like a rocking horse. Nevertheless, the effort is palpable. I didn’t rehearse the performance. I never do. Spontaneous interactions in public spaces can’t be planned anyway: that someone asks a question, cheers me on or greets me—or a dog tries to bite me. I react spontaneously to these encounters, which are part of the performance concept. By repeating actions while performing, I fall into a kind of meditative state. I am completely in the here and now. It’s like blowing glass.
If I had to advise prospective art students, I would tell them: stay open to the unknown. If you want to stage a performance, you can always start by having a small group of audience first, for instance, with people you know. What took me getting used to most were the stares. As a performer, you are automatically exposed to your surroundings as long as you are present in the room. But you learn to deal with that.