'A Diachronic Record' is a public programme and vitrine presentation centred on the film Writing the Time Lag (2014–ongoing), an experimental documentary by Taiwanese artist and director Lee Tzu Tung. Initiated in 2014, Writing the Time Lag is informed by an ethnographic approach to collaborative and participatory filmmaking, where activist voices and political narratives give form to what the artist calls a 'microcosm of Taiwan's complex identity dynamics'. Navigating indigenous grassroots activism, the film questions how one makes sense of national identity, and provides a glimpse into the colonial dynamics of a transnational public sphere. In addition to their political involvement, Tzu Tung’s approach to documentary is also informed by a self-reflexive editing approach. Since starting filming, they have continually re-edited the documentary, while incorporating the post-production process into the film footage itself. This iterative process reveals how one’s perspective changes through time, and foregrounds a multi-layered and diachronic approach to documenting the subjectively political and historically personal.

Following an afternoon screening of Tzu Tung’s film, a roundtable discussion will be held with the artist who will be present in-person. Moderated by Chisenhale Gallery's Asymmetry Curatorial Research Fellow, Rachel Be-Yun Wang, the group will discuss the process of creating the film, its political life, where it stands today, and broader issues around the documentation of time. Attendees are encouraged to bring their perspectives and participate, and due to the nature of the discussion limited seats will be available.

This event will also include a preview of related research materials on display as a vitrine presentation in our programme space, which will be on view to the public until 27 SEPTEMBER 2024. More information will be shared on our website and social media soon.

'A Diachronic Record' is curated in conjunction with Rachel Be-Yun Wang’s Curatorial Research Fellowship at Chisenhale Gallery. Rachel is currently researching the documentation of time-based media within commissioning, looking to understand how—and what—we document in the active processes of commissioning and producing new artistic work, while interrogating how we produce and enact artistic labour with historicity and posterity in mind.

Additional support is provided by Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM), University of Westminster. Support to Lee Tzu-Tung on the occasion of this project is provided by the National Culture and Arts Foundation and Department of Cultural Affairs, Taipei City Government.

FREE ENTRY, BOOK TICKETS HERE

ACCESS INFORMATION:

This event includes a 75-minute screening followed by a relaxed, hour-long roundtable discussion, with a break in between (refreshments provided). Mandarin, Amis, and English are spoken in Writing the Time Lag, which is primarily subtitled in English. Due to its roaming, multilingual subtitle text, the film is not further captioned. The film’s contents include depictions of nudity and mentions of sexual assault.

This event takes place on the ground floor with step-free access in our multi-purpose programme space, with a fully accessible, all-gender bathroom. Earplugs and ear guards will be available for visitors to use.

Please feel free to inquire with info@asymmetryart.org if you would like to learn more about the film, or discuss any accommodations or access needs. Please kindly be advised that requests should be made one week in advance of the event, and we will try our best to make accommodations subject to availability.