“此/cǐ/彼/bǐ/”, translated as “here, there” in English, are two Chinese characters that were first explained by Mozi, a Chinese philosopher from the Hundred Schools of Thought period (from the 6th century to 221 BC). The book “Mozi · The Scriptures” includes a detailed argument of the opposition of “here” and “there”. His theory is that “here” and “there” debates each other and when one tries to address “here”, “there” should be avoided, vice versa.

 

However, in our time, “there” can be reflected in “here”; even yet, “here” may evolve into “there”. These two concepts are inextricably pertinent and linked.

 

Here, may resemble a person, an event, a time or place.

 

There, is the opposite, but would only be applicable if “here” exists.

 

At the time of 2019 Lunar New Year, our overseas artists are resemblant of the concept “here”; yet what lies over “there” is what they call root and home. “Here” can be the divergent thoughts of our contemporary artists, while “there” would be the time-honored and treasure-like tradition. “Here” represents the individual; while “there” may be celestial.

 

On February 8th, our artists will get together in the atrium of the Oculus at the World Trade Center in New York City, showcasing their understanding and explorations of “here” and “there”.

 

Curator:

Linda Yi Liang, Yiyao Tang, Yiyi Wang, Echo Wan, Shirong Gu

 

 

Presented by:

 

Asian Cultural Center

PLC LTD. INC.

Organized by:

ātman curation

MazeDesign Inc.