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Complicated Mandarin - Komplex der Mandarinschrift
Media and Format
Cross-cultural interactive art research and multimedia performance
Year
2022, 2023
Creative Process
This project involved hands-on research and creative practice across several locations in Spandau, Berlin. Key activities included interactive writing experiences, where participants explored the structure and beauty of traditional Chinese characters through hands-on writing; body movement workshops, integrating body expressions and writing movements to uncover the relationship between characters, space, and the body; and writing expression sessions, encouraging participants to reflect and express their observations of society through creative writing. Through these activities, the artists synthesized cultural background, audience interaction, and artistic exploration into a cohesive multimedia presentation.
Dimensions / Scale
Lecture Performance: A multimedia presentation combining script writing and performance art to share research findings. Documentary Video: Capturing the entire process and participatory activities, serving as a tool for further cultural dialogue.
Exhibition History
Period: December 2022 to January 2023 (6 weeks) Workshop Locations: New Staaken Center, Spandau, Berlin; Eiswerder Showroom, Berlin/Hakenfelde. Public Showcase: Location: Spandau Arcaden; Date: January 14, 2023.
Artistic team
Artistic Direction and Performer: Po-Fu Wu / Yuyen Lin-Woywod
hashtag
#CrossCulturalWriting #TraditionalChineseCharacters #ArtAndResearch #WritingAndSociety #LecturePerformance
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Complicated Mandarin - Complex of Mandarin Characters explores the cultural and social significance of traditional Chinese characters. Artists Po-Fu Wu and Yuyen Lin-Woywod examine the relationship between writing behavior and societal connections. Through participatory workshops and interactive writing experiences, they aim to present the aesthetic, historical, and political aspects of traditional characters, while reimagining their value in a cross-cultural context.
The project revolves around three core themes: historical background, script and body expression, and space and society. By engaging participants in hands-on activities, the project bridges gaps in understanding and showcases writing as a means of cultural dialogue. The outcomes include a lecture performance and a documentary video that encapsulate the research findings and invite reflection on the intersection of writing, culture, and society.















