”From Mao to Me: Generations of Books" is an installation series explores the profound societal and psychological upheavals that have unfolded in China over the past decades—changes so sweeping that they mirror four centuries of European evolution, as poetically noted by author Yu Hua.

Through the lens of three books, read by three successive generations within one family, the installation captures the intense scale of change and the deep disparities it creates within a nation. It portrays not only the dramatic shifts in landscape and ideology but also the personal and collective psyches that oscillate between historical remnants and futuristic aspirations.

As visitors navigate the installation series, they are invited to reflect on the impact of such rapid developments—how they reshape identities, dreams, and the very fabric of societal understanding.

"From Mao to Me" not only reflects on the past and present but also poses poignant questions about the future chapters yet to be written in our collective and individual narratives.

02 // A THREE CHANNEL VIDEO INSTALLATION

03 // PUBLIC PROGRAM // BOOK READING PERFORMANCE

PROPOSED TIMELINE

The historical divide compresses what would be 4 centuries of European upheaval into a mere 40 years for the Chinese, cleaving our generation into disparate eras.

We grapple with imbalances — geographical, economic, personal — each breeding a disquiet in our minds, until even our dreams falter and lose their equilibrium. We live amidst vast disparities, This is our life, living in the enormous gaps between reality and history; one could argue we are all ill, or conversely, that we are wholly sound, for we live perpetually suspended between two extremes.

-------YuHua 余华, "We dwell in the shadows of colossal disparities" "我们生活在巨大的差距里“

”From Mao to Me: Generations of Books" is an installation series explores the profound societal and psychological upheavals that have unfolded in China over the past decades—changes so sweeping that they mirror four centuries of European evolution, as poetically noted by author Yu Hua.

Through the lens of three books, read by three successive generations within one family, the installation captures the intense scale of change and the deep disparities it creates within a nation. It portrays not only the dramatic shifts in landscape and ideology but also the personal and collective psyches that oscillate between historical remnants and futuristic aspirations.

As visitors navigate the installation series, they are invited to reflect on the impact of such rapid developments—how they reshape identities, dreams, and the very fabric of societal understanding.

"From Mao to Me" not only reflects on the past and present but also poses poignant questions about the future chapters yet to be written in our collective and individual narratives.

3 BOOKS, 3 ERAS, 1 FAMILY

1ST GENERATION // Grandpa, a former Chinese Nuclear Research facility worker

Grandpa's book is an original 1966 copy of the "Selected Works of Mao." Revered like a bible by Chinese workers of that era, the core philosophy of this book aligned with the national ethos—every action in life should serve the nation's objectives.

In his interview, Grandpa discusses his tenure at the China Academy Of Engineering Physics, a role of utmost secrecy and national importance.

2ND GENERATION // Mom, traveled across China to build a life and family.

Mom's book is an original copy of "Reader's Digest." For many Chinese young people in the 80s and 90s, this book was a source of guidance on life, love, and dreams. The prevailing aspiration was to establish a stable, joyful life centered around family, with marriage, children, and property ownership as the hallmarks of success.

In her interview, Mom discusses her journey to fulfill her dream of living in a city with water and beautiful landscapes. She speaks candidly about finding love, the highs and lows of her marriage.

3RD GENERATION // Me, an artist in the US.

My book is “Tell Me Why," an encyclopedia that spans all disciplines. Reflecting the spirit of my generation, it caters to our deep individualism. We are seekers, constantly questioning the purpose of life and exploring our own identities.

In my interview, I discuss the challenges and revelations encountered while discovering my identity, the experience of moving to a different country, and my pursuit of personal aspirations.

This section of the proposal outlines the creation of a temporary installation that showcases the three books, alongside other related books, papers, and materials, displayed on a structure made of rubble or wood (subject to change). Projected interview videos of each generation will enable visitors to immerse themselves in the stories from each era. The physical structure symbolizes the imbalance and disparity between different eras and historical contexts, while still illustrating their interconnectedness.

Examples of additional materials to be displayed. Still in process of acquiring more.

02 // A THREE CHANNEL VIDEO INSTALLATION

The installation features a video of 3D scans in point cloud aesthetics, showcasing key locations in China and the US linked to the interview content. For example, the Nuclear Research Institute where my grandfather worked; the residential area where my mother grew up; and views from my home in Los Angeles and many more

As viewers approache each video, an ambiguous silhouette appears, simulating entry into distinct eras. Moving through the portals, viewers symbolically traverse the three eras, experiencing pivotal historical periods personally.

03 // PUBLIC PROGRAM // BOOK READING PERFORMANCE

While the other two parts of the installation are on display continuously, I propose a public event featuring a book reading performance. I will read selected excerpts from the three books, with real-time AI translations. Additionally, a tracker positioned in front of me will use deepfake technology to overlay the faces of my grandfather and mother onto mine. This image will be projected behind me, visually uniting the three of us as we traverse history. This performance will give the audience a deeper understanding of the content and themes of the books.

PROPOSED TIMELINE