'A Wanderer on the Science Island' is a lecture performance by artist Zijie whose research on the medium of Chinese word processing delves into the relationship between computer technology, writing, power, and capital. Starting from the late 1980s, when consumer computers were introduced to offices and homes, the digitisation of typewriting and machine input coincided with epochal political and economic changes in China and the world at large. Through the lens of media archaeology, Zijie asks critical questions about this legacy in our contemporary condition: How is the advent of digital technology entangled with the origin of neo-liberalism? How does the shift from writing with pen and paper to typing on the keyboard indelibly alter our cultural consciousness and the relationship between human and machine?

Linked by a fictional figure named Shenzhi, the wanderer, this lecture performance is an attempt to abandon the linear timeline of cause and effect by entering the multiple narratives of the history of technology, bearing multiple possibilities for imagining technological futures.

Following the lecture performance, Zijie will host a workshop where participants will create their own stencil prints. This printmaking workshop forms an extension of Zijie’s self-publishing practice: from its earliest use by the French government in urban planning to contemporary street graffiti, from its industrial use for product packaging to adoption by DIY and self-organised communities, the transformation of stencil printing underscores an analogue mobility in resistance to the systemic digitisation of our daily life.

‘A Wanderer on the Science Island’ is part of the public programming series from Ye Funa’s residency as our 2024 Librarian. Titled ‘Get Low, Like Bumpkin Canon’ (土炮之书), her residency project explores the grassroots ethos of Lo-Fi aesthetics and DIY culture in the Sinophone world, with an emphasis on understanding underground self-publishing as part of the history of text processing and printing in China.

The lecture performance and the workshop will be conducted in Mandarin, with English interpretation provided by Jiajing Sun. Separate bookings are required. There is limited capacity for the workshop for best experience.

SCHEDULE

Performance Lecture: 2-3.30PM

Printmaking Workshop: 4-5.30PM

ACCESS INFORMATION

English interpretation is provided for the lecture performance and printmaking workshop, which will be conducted in Mandarin.

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 discuss any 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.

FREE ENTRY, TICKET HERE