Blog
I see you: Sign Language Art Consultation that Communicates with the Eyes
Photo ©林峻永
Written by LIN Wei-hsuan, hearing-impaired artist and writer
I have visited Paris twice in the past. Walking in the city always brings new experiences, as if seeing it with fresh eyes. For me, Paris is a magical city; enter any public space or take a turn during your walk, and you will be stopped in your tracks by music, singing, street art, or dance, bringing a smile to your face. In September 2021, our imaginations towards space were inspired by the large L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped, created by the late art duo Christo＆Jeanne-Claude; also arranged in the same month, Weiwuying (National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts) collaborated with Théâtre de la Ville de Paris to present Art Consultation Day.
The International Day of Consultations of France is on September 19, which was presented in 23 languages, including sign language. The large-scale event was organized at Jardin Nelson Mandela at the center of Paris. The organizer invited many art venues around the world to participate in the event, with Weiwuying being the only participating venue based in Asia. Before the event, Weiwuying asked Paris-based actress and director YANG Yi-lin to hold a one-on-one online consultation course with us, which gave me a more concrete grasp on the procedure and objective of art consultation day.
Within Weiwuying's dynamic architectural setting and space illuminated by natural light falling through the irregular-shaped glass, nine artists wearing white robes and stationed in the terrace, corridor, and cased spaces of The Crown Hall were transformed into "art consultants."The art consultants selected works of poetry for each individual; the works were customized to the audience's mood or messages they wanted to convey, and were performed through reciting, musical instrument, painting, or even impromptu opera or dance, transforming the event into a bespoke universe for each individual and a nourishing feast for the mind.
"What's Your Name in Sign Language?"
I am honored to have been invited to participate as a sign language consultant at Weiwuying Art Consultation Day. I was a bit nervous during the first session, but I remembered that the aim of this event was to view the other person as my friend, and I told myself to relax and engage in casual conversation. Before the hands started moving in the air, our eyes already met, and then the hands organically signaled greetings that enquired the other's name in sign language. The originally stiff, uneasy body is suddenly relaxed by warm body languages, and I was no longer nervous; it's like hugging in foreign cultures, and greeting others by kissing on the cheeks. Although the nuances of our facial expressions and our smiles are hidden behind face masks because of the pandemic, our eyes and sign language still convey friendliness and warmth, creating "a safe space to talk freely."
A Painting Just for You
The four consultees with hearing impairments that I conversed with were around 60 years old; the most senior one was 69. Among these four individuals were a couple who could both paint. They knew that I am a painter and writer and first asked what kind of mentality sustained my painting career? After briefly sharing my creative experience, I handed the theme of painting back to them and asked them to be my subjects: it was my turn to listen to them.
The participants shared what their lives were like during the pandemic. There were moments of pain and moments of happiness. The advancement of technology, connectivity of the internet, as well as the convenience of video calls more or less alleviated the misery during the pandemic. A ten-minute conversation might not be a long time, but the lighthearted atmosphere allowed the experience to resemble a reunion between old friends. Afterward, I invited them to enjoy the paintings that I customized for them. Although I say the paintings are "customized,"the work is actually a collaboration based on the conversation/sign language between the person and myself; I merely translated it into painting. The painting's points, lines, and planes are inspired by the intensity or softness of the person's expressions, ambiance, and feelings. Extend our encounter into a deep conversation, and let me create a painting just for you.
The Prescription Slip of Blessings
At the end of art consultation day, I prepared a prescription slip for participants. The prescription slip is like the note that people receive after a doctor's appointment, but this is "a prescription slip of blessings."I invited the participants to engage in an activity that I wrote in the slip. For instance, an elderly participant left a deep impression. After our conversation, I had the feeling that she is someone who enjoys slumber. And so, in the prescription slip, I wrote: "Put an ice cube in your mouth and feel its coolness. Do this at any time of day for three consecutive days."After reading this, she immediately said that I articulated how she felt, just like a cool, comforting breeze stroking the cheeks during sleep. She said to me, although we only engaged in ordinary conversation, she felt like she was about to cry. Perhaps this counts as heart-warming interaction?
After the event ended, I returned to the city that I lived in. As a sign language art consultant for the event, I, too, felt a miraculous sense of refreshment and encouragement. I would like to say to everyone who participated that day: I hope you will remember our conversation when you are following the prescriptions, and allow the experience of connectivity through art to become an unforgettable experience in your life and mine.
Learn More:
Théâtre de la Ville de Paris x Weiwuying Les Consultations poétiques et dansées
