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They Say Life Gives Birth to Art. But How Does One Implement Art in Everyday Life?
Photo:CHOU Shu-yi indulges in dance photography at the Outdoor Theater
Written by Weiwuying Residency Artist CHOU Shu-yi
There was a news story a few years ago on a“mechanic-violinist.” Mr. LU Chen-yu is a mechanic in charge of power generator repair in Yunlin who loved listening to music on the radio while working on the family farm while he was young. On one occasion, the radio was broadcasting classical music, and LU initially disliked the music but was moved by a waltz by Strauss. LU took up the profession as a mechanic and started learning music, and music became an indispensable component in his life. LU once stated: “Who says that only those who wear tuxedoes have the right to play violins? Reject the definition of others and the tyranny of appearances, and try to see the inner qualities. “ This story moved me deeply. LU's art originated from living and has become a part of life.
Photo:The public piano at the Banyan Plaza embraces art into everyone’s lives
Last year, I heard that there is a piano in the public space of Weiwuying. Artistic director CHIEN Wen-pin wanted Weiwuying to be an art center for the people and came up with this idea so that anyone could come here and play music. Coach driver WU Chia-sheng often visited the piano to play a few songs when the pandemic broke out at the beginning of the year. WU mostly played popular songs, and nearby visitors would hum along to the tunes; it was like a wonderful, secret gathering. Weiwuying invited WU to participate in the “Music Playing of Musical Offering” and he seamlessly integrated Bach with Jasmine Flower, a Qing Dynasty folk song inscribed in the memories of the people of Taiwan. WU's performance transcends language and incites intimate sentiments of everyday life. This reminded me of seeing the restaging of Turandot at the opera house last month and how Puccini embedded Jasmine Flower into his last work, emitting gentle strength while urging us to cherish the beauty of life, peace, and freedom.
Photo:CHOU Shu-yi indulges in dance photography at the Outdoor Theater in Weiwuying Metropolitan Park
I often work in parks in recent years. Many elders carry radios when exercising; some even bring musical instruments, transforming the park into a concert hall without walls. The approach of implementing art with life and nature reminded me of the two gentlemen mentioned above, which inspired me to choreograph in the park. Body Map in the Tainan Park and The Memory Overture of Strolling in the Park, collaborated with Scarecrow Contemporary Dance Company and Kaohsiung composer WANG Yu-jun, will be presented in November at Taiwan Dance Platform. During rehearsal, people were curious about what we were doing, and I would say: Dancing! They said, ‘Looks nice! When are you performing?'. ‘November', I replied. ‘Then it's still far off! How long do you need to practice for?’ Sincere interactions such as this bring us closer to art; maybe art is now a part of the lives of these people.
Learn more:
CHOU Shu-yi ╳ Scarecrow Contemporary Dance Company "The Memory Overture of Strolling in the Park′′
Weiwuying Artist-In-Residence-CHOU Shu-yi
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