The  Alp    /    夢  魘


2014
video installation
1920 x 1080, 3 channels, each 1 min on loop
color photograph, c-print, 150 x 100 cm


The narrative of the videos is based on the conversation between Chihying and various workers on the mountain of St. Gallen, where several Alpine villages are located in Switzerland. During his residence on the mountain, the artist brought the only thing he was provided with — an IKEA bed. He visited different neighbouring workers, including farmers, horse trainers, and market clerks, and asked them to collaborate in creating a short video in their working spaces. The project aims to twist the daily routine by using mass-produced furniture in unusual ways. This art production becomes a strategy to counteract the power of globalisation, offering participants and viewers an alternative way to rethink normalisation.

The plot of the video revolves around a young boy named “A.K.” and his insomnia. A.K. attempts to build his bed in various places to achieve better sleep, such as in meadows, on a tree, under a streetlamp, inside a horse stable, etc. A.K. finally finds absolute peace in the Zivilschutzkeller, behind the heavy anti-nuclear door.


Performance by Julia Mensch and Aurelio Kopainig
Special thanks for the support from Palatti


Related Information ︎
︎︎︎ Palatti                                   
︎︎︎ Taipei Arts Awards