Series of artwork:
丸仔策動 yuenjie MARU's Project 《身人本秀》Human Body Show
－骨場: 舛一卌人釘時秀Bone Night: Danotcers’ Dance Show
－曲場: 共生舞蹈體驗秀Song Night: Symbiotic Dance Workshop Show
－豆場: 魔朵陰身繪畫秀Bean Night: Live Body Sculpture Drawing Show
Theme of artwork:
發現及發展屬於自己的獨特舞 蹈同時又能與眾一起溝通共舞;
Self-discovery and expression, social acceptance
Form of artwork:
- performance art;
- live art
Medium of artwork:
Live art space: time, place, artist’s body, audience interaction
時間，地點，行為藝術者的身體，以及與觀眾的交流。
Background of Artist:
A performance artist based in Hong Kong, he is a contact improvisation and environmental improvisation dancer. He has since 1999 started his solo performance or the so-called performance art and live art. He named his body of work as "MARULIVEART" which concern about love, human being, social issues, environment and so on.
藝術自游人、身體作演者、藝術工作坊導師。多年來一直在舞蹈與劇場的邊緣上行走，其單人表演創作被對號入座為「行為藝術」和「即場藝術」，現自稱為「丸仔 拉符呃」。著有個人作品集《丸仔拉符呃拾年行為藝術》1999-2009。近年發展「共 生舞蹈」：以Alito Alessi的DanceAbility 舞蹈方法為基本，揉合Dan Baron Cohen的Transformance理念及其他融合舞蹈與藝術治療元素，配以「安格拉移動」輔助學習，相信不同能力的人可發現及發展屬於自己的獨特舞 蹈同時又能與眾一起溝通共舞。丸仔現為「社區文化發展中心共生舞團」之藝術總監。最近參與Y-Space主辦自主舞蹈平台2010，發表舞作《身體演異之 說畫》。 更多有關丸仔的資料可參考《丸仔拉符呃拾年行為藝術》一書。
The cultural background of the artwork:
From his website, he says that the artwork, especially "Symbiotic Dance" originates from an American dancer Alito Alessi's "Danceability". We observed from his work that he incorporates the concept (a detailed explanation is provided below)and tries to introduce it to local Hong Kong citizens and people with disabilities. This area is unclear so we would like to further ask him during interview.
回顧是過去式的，《身人本秀》所撿拾與開展的則是現在進行式，甚至嘗試在當中窺探一點身體藝術的未來。共生舞蹈的原型來自美國舞蹈家Alito Alessi的DanceAbility舞蹈方法，特別強調每個人可以有自己的舞蹈方式，同時卻又可溝通共舞，這大概才是未來舞蹈的發展方向! 著重個人，強調溝通，權威被消解，新的、差異的、更開放的觀念被產生和被接納，不斷反省、不斷打破和無法真正被定義，這都是後現代的特點，也是行為藝術的 特徵，大概也是舛一卌人要走的方向。
The social background of the artwork:
It is related to Alito's dance concept - to dance uniquely with anyone. Maru says the "Human Body Show" emphasizes on showing each individual as a "person". This area is vague so we would like to further ask him during interview.
《身人本秀》，就是身體秀(Human Body Show)，但不只是把簡「體」拆開，而是強調「以人為本」，所著重呈現的是身體的作為「人」，而輕去人性化的技巧。每個人都可以有自主的身體呈現方式。
Any reference to art history:
1. Alito Alessi - Danceability:
Danceability工作坊能夠同時包括專業舞者、四肢健全、視障、智障、輪椅、肢障等不同能力朋友一起上課、一起舞動。 概念上一個躺在床上全身不能動彈的朋友也可單靠眼球的轉動與任何不同能力的朋友共舞。但Alito說，他不是要專為所謂弱能人士編舞，而只不過想與世界上 任何一個人跳舞。Alito不是同情所謂弱能的朋友，相反他尊重每一個人的身體，相信舞蹈屬於世上每一個人。Danceability最終是要發展出屬於 每一個人的舞蹈，它不是甚麼「芭蕾舞」、「社交舞」、「現代舞」等舞蹈門類，它是張三就有「張三舞」，李四就有「李四舞」，世上百億人就可有百億樣舞，每 個人都能夠發展出他個人的一種舞蹈，Alito認為這是舞蹈發展應有的未來。Alito也說，世上沒有「殘缺」的身體，而只有「殘缺」的思想和「殘缺」的 社會。
2. Dan Baron Cohen – Transformance:
Transformance [演／變] 是戲劇教育大師 Dan Baron Cohen 社區教育劇場大師 Dan Baron Cohen 以逾25年的實踐及經驗，建立自己一套方法和體系，把教育 ／社會變革祈求的 transformation （轉變／改變）與 performance （表演）融合為一，名為「Transformance」(Transformation 轉變／performance／表演)。
透過劇場、舞踏、雕像、畫畫及文學等藝術元素，讓參加者在認識自己、互相認識及認識自己社區。過程由淺入深，以個人的分享慢慢推展至小組、群體以至社會性的討論，使各人都可以在工作坊中用創意的方法抒發自己生活的感受，以至與整個社區作聯繫。
Definition of Transformance:
Transformance is an arts-based pedagogy which begins from the premise that all human beings are and need to be dialogic, theatrical and create their own culture to become social, but suffer what might be called a pedagogy of 'rationalised conflict' to become competitive and competent according to the values of colonial authoritarian cultures whose (mainly European) pedagogy, even in crisis, to this day still remains dominant.
As an alternative, this pedagogy proposes the cultivating of dialogic, sensitive and cooperative subjectivities, capable of individually and collectively intervening in an authoritarian world towards the learning and making of participatory democracies. This cannot be achieved however as individuals, seated in a competitive academic classroom process. It requires all our sensory intelligences to create new ways of active listening, reading dialogically and writing cooperatively.
This arts-based pedagogy therefore does not limit itself to verbal languages, which in many cultures tend to hide (unconsciously) more than they reveal. It uses theatre, dance, sculpture, painting and the literary arts to reveal and voice the knowledges and histories of the body, towards a questioning self-reading of our subjectivity, through and with others, to cultivate the intercultural sensitivities and ‘performance-awareness’ that are necessary to building new communities of solidarity and participatory democracy.
Interpretation of his art work:
Alex:
The interaction of Yuen Jie and audience through contact improvisation helps convey the message that people are all alike. People have the same inner feelings and also can express themselves through dance. This form of expression with the human body is visual, explicit, and experienced based.
The impact of his performance is strong, direct, and is focused on reflection of the viewer and the self-expression of the performer. Dancing is no longer fixed to a pattern or arrangement of steps and body movements. No choreography is shown. Rather, each performance can be different when performers have different emotions and feelings.
Also, dancing is no longer just to appeal to viewers but it can also be to appeal to one's inner self. The dancer's movements also fluctuate as the inner emotion changes.
Michelle:
Through his body movements, Yuen Jie conveys messages through his performances. One's body is the least a person could have, yet Yuen Jie shows how one's body could shout out strong messages through its movements and performance.
Unlike paintings and photography, his art works are not permanent. It focuses more on the moment of his performances. The odd and unusual way he moves his body stimulates his audience visually, and the momentary impression makes it easier for the audience to feel his message.
Liking of his art work:
Alex
I find the artwork shocking at first. At first I thought that the dancer was moving his arms and legs to imitate the disabled person. A disabled performer is a new concept for me to accept because I thought dancers must be well-trained and perform in groups.
I admire the improvisation element of the performance. I think it is very difficult to perform a dance without any fixed schedule. Dancing with people with disablilties is a challenge that can have accidents. In "Orange Sunshine" I was worried that the disabled person was having an epileptic seizure. The dancer helps disabled people also have a way to express how they feel, which in the performance would be happiness and freedom to move around despite facing physical difficulties. It is a way to show how people with such great physical differences are actually alike and similar - we all can enjoy dancing.
Michelle
One art work which I am especially amused in was "So Close So Far". His theme was about the memories of his past love. He shows the complex relationship between men and women. Through their intimate body contact, you could see how close his relationship with his past love was. The tenderness they have with each other. However, they are divided by a mask. They may be as close as their bodies would allow them, but this division limits the distance between them. They may not know each other as well as they think they do. In fact, all the know about each other may only be what is outside the mask they wear.
I think this art work is very inspiring for it really makes the audience think about what the artists past relationship experience may be like. We might imagine and difficult heartbreak, though he did not mention the details, the message can be felt. This space for interpretation also encourages the audience to relate his story to their own. To think about their distance with the ones they love. I like the way his work inspires his audience.
Comparison to similar artwork:
Cloud Gate - Taiwan Dance
http://www.cloudgate.org.tw/cg/about/index.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8SZlbpyzZ0
Interview Questions:
1. What inspired you to choose "dance" as a part of your recent performance "Human Body Show"?
2. Why did you combine the concept from both "Alito Alessi – Danceability" and "Dan Baron Cohen – Transformance"?
Was it to have dance as a medium for people to know more about themselves and society?
3. What is the social background of the "Human Body Show"?
4. What is the cultural background of the "Human Body Show"?
5. What part of the performance would you like to have changed if you had a chance? Would you add something?
6. What will you do if an audience doesn't really understand or get your message?
7. Do you think there is anything different about your art work from similar artists which makes you special?
8. Your work "+Y-dob" seems to be a very eye catching performance. Why is it named that?
9. The image you have portrayed of gender diversity is very obvious. But what is the message which you are trying to convey?
10. Why did you choose this message?
11. Did you choose this medium of arts for a specific reason?
12. What do you think is the most important function of art?
13 Body art is not yet a common medium of art yet in Hong Kong. Have you encountered any problems when performing?
14. How would you relate your art work to Hong Kong's local culture?
15. Why do you think the human body is the best way for a person to express their inner self?
16. Do you think that the human body has limits when it comes to art?
17. Are there any themes which you hope to focus next?
18. What issues in Hong Kong do you think should most be discussed in art forms?
19. Will you try new forms of art in the future?
20. Any advice for young artists?
Links:15. Why do you think the human body is the best way for a person to express their inner self?
16. Do you think that the human body has limits when it comes to art?
17. Are there any themes which you hope to focus next?
18. What issues in Hong Kong do you think should most be discussed in art forms?
19. Will you try new forms of art in the future?
20. Any advice for young artists?
About Yuen jie
http://www.corneliaerdmann.de/press/bananas.pdf
http://www.vistaread.com/book.php?id=1299
http://paper.wenweipo.com/2010/07/12/BK1007120002.htm
About Yuen Jie’s Human Body Show
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150121923754414&id=795997585&ref=mf
http://www.youtube.com/user/yuenjie#g/u
http://hk.news.yahoo.com/article/110107/3/m4cd.html
http://cityreborn.com/artblog/80/1100
http://www.jccacmate.com.hk/?a=event&id=179
About danceability
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137153439678886#!/note.php?note_id=118811619413&id=795997585
About transformance
http://www.tefo.hk/section.php?lang=tc&type=1&subsubid=50
http://www.transformance.org.br/
About performance art
http://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-hk/%E8%A1%8C%E4%B8%BA%E8%89%BA%E6%9C%AF
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance_art
It is difficult to describe the identity of Yuenjie solely. He is not only an artist, but also is a dancer. His artwork is not only limited to a drawing board, but also extended to his body. Through the movement and posture of body to express his inner thought. Yuenjie is looking important to the element of interaction between the artist and the audience. He requires the direct interaction with the audience in most of his performance. Thus, each of the performance is cannot be the same and various. I think it is very important part of an art work or a performance. The audience should not be isolated from the art itself. Audience is not only an observer, but they are also the part of art work. Yuehjie can do it successful.
回覆刪除The blog contains a broad view towards Yuan Jie’s artworks. Through browsing the blog, I have a brief knowledge of the artist and gain a better understanding of the performance art. Yuan Jie’s works concern many aspects of the human world and most of them are in a vivid form. I like his “Human Body Show” which related to Alito’s dance concept – to dance uniquely with anyone. I think his artwork’s theme is really great, to encourage self-discovery and expression. I also agree that dancing is a way to appeal one’s inner emotion. Anyway, I like this blog.
回覆刪除I am interested in his performance because I have never seen this kind of performance before. Yuenjie is not only an artist but also a dancer. I think he is more likely to be regarded as a dancer. I quite agree with your opinion that “dancing is no longer just to appeal to viewers but it can also be to appeal to one's inner self”. I think Yuenjie’s dancing is more emphasizing the communication with audience. He uses his dance to convey his message about life. I am also wondering why he chose dance as his form of performance.
回覆刪除Your blog provides lots of information about this brilliant dancer and artist. I really like it.
by WANG Chenxi
As an artist then a dancer, Yuenjie fully express himself through strong movements. I'm personally a big fan of Cloud Gate Dance Troupe, which makes me really love your combination of the two. After reading your blog, I have this feeling that a very important part of being an artist is not to be afraid of doing whatever is on your mind, no matter how extreme it is going to sound. It requires a lot of courage actually.
回覆刪除By KUO, Hui-Hsin (Alice)
作者已經移除這則留言。
回覆刪除Yuenjie is a performance artist in Hong Kong. Performance art refers largely to a performance which is presented to an audience but which does not seek to present a conventional theatrical play or a formal linear narrative, or which alternately does not seek to depict a set of fictitious characters in formal scripted interactions. It therefore will often include some form of action or spoken word which is a form of direct communication between the artist and audience, rather than a script written beforehand.
回覆刪除Among Yuenjie‘s art work, I think that the most impressive one is “Memory Seeds”. In which, Yuenjie use bandage, absorbent, red beans and ice to express hold and pain. His artwork demands audience’s active participation. If they don’t, they never know what happen at the end and never understand the meaning behind his artwork. In the typical art work, audience usually plays a passive role. They just appreciate the art work passively. Hence, it is interesting to require audience to participant in an art work performance.
mary 51816664
Well, I am surprised and moved by the video which shows the dance. It must be a tough job for the disabled man to dance on a wheelchair with the woman. However, I strongly feel the desire of freedom to move. Through the performance, the disabled man expresses that a strong hope to dance without the wheelchair and the happiness when dancing on the wheelchair. Maybe by singing or painting, the disables man also can show us the hope that he want to move free, but I think that dancing is the most suitable performance because the desire can be expressed perfectly when moving his body.
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