LiQin Tan: Refractive Brain Therapy

Artist(s):

• LiQin Tan

Title:

Refractive Brain Therapy

Exhibition:

• DAC Online Exhibition 2011: Analogue is the New Digital

Creation Year:

2011

Category:

• 3D and Sculpture

Artist Statement:

Refractive Brain Therapy is an interactive animation-installation project that consists of digital metal prints on metal, some of them displayed in large water-filled vats, along with 3D animation & LCD monitors.

In this series I show a decidedly unique understanding of refractivity. The project touches on a natural phenomenon, and more importantly, a social one as well. In Chinese ideology, the phrase “refractivity” holds the dual meaning of

1) initiating an illusion,

2) leading towards social reality, with applications, treatments, such as water therapy that can be applied as psychological activity but also brain washing.

Additionally, the installation emphasizes social periods in China referring to “Cultural Revelation” and the “Great Leap Forward.” Physical body and reference is merged with social, political and cultural meaning. The “brains” are accompanied by 3D animations played on LCD monitors, while the faces bask in large water containers. The audience is encouraged to interact with the installation by observing changes within the objects through water level, light, animation, and refractions through the glass.