Artist Residency: Fuzhou, Fujian, China
Situated in an empty Qing dynasty building and surrounded by ex-consulate houses, residents were invited to eat some home-baked English style cakes, such as Victoria sponge, and lemon drizzle, in exchange for their thoughts. Each slice of cake was served on a plate containing two questions (both in English and Mandarin). The first question asked how long they had lived in Fuzhou, whilst the second was one of ten random questions concerned with people's opinions, feelings or stories about the city. Residents answered by writing onto a photograph of their choice. The photographs contained everyday images of the local areas' urban fabric, such as walls, and artifacts, taken during the residency. Restrictions on graffiti on ancient buildings meant that this more domesticated form of 'dazibao' (poster/graffiti characters on walls popularised during the revolutionary periods) was also a way for me to try and overcome any language barriers.
Usually, when you ask someone if they like your food, they will say 'yes' or 'haochi', even if they feel otherwise. So I wanted to see how many people would finish the whole slice. Happily, nearly everyone did. The proof is in the pudding, as the expression goes. The photos were framed and displayed outside for the public to see.
Situated in an empty Qing dynasty building and surrounded by ex-consulate houses, residents were invited to eat some home-baked English style cakes, such as Victoria sponge, and lemon drizzle, in exchange for their thoughts. Each slice of cake was served on a plate containing two questions (both in English and Mandarin). The first question asked how long they had lived in Fuzhou, whilst the second was one of ten random questions concerned with people's opinions, feelings or stories about the city. Residents answered by writing onto a photograph of their choice. The photographs contained everyday images of the local areas' urban fabric, such as walls, and artifacts, taken during the residency. Restrictions on graffiti on ancient buildings meant that this more domesticated form of 'dazibao' (poster/graffiti characters on walls popularised during the revolutionary periods) was also a way for me to try and overcome any language barriers.
Usually, when you ask someone if they like your food, they will say 'yes' or 'haochi', even if they feel otherwise. So I wanted to see how many people would finish the whole slice. Happily, nearly everyone did. The proof is in the pudding, as the expression goes. The photos were framed and displayed outside for the public to see.
above: exhibtion display taken at night
below: record of the activity 
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