Spherical Memory

I drew inspiration for this piece from interacting with local artisans who specialized in hand-crafting Dragon Lanterns with bamboo. Crafting a replica of the original Dragon Ball–used in the folk performance– out of plaster with their contemporary use in medical treatment, I target to symbolize modernity through their technological advancement while representing the traditional cultures injured and traumatized by modernity. The creative process by which soft plaster bandages hardened yet in a fragile condition renders a visual metaphor for the malleability and resistance in reshaping cultural practices, which is relevant for reviving the Dragon Dance. The Dragon Balls suspended from the ceiling are designed to interact with the audience through bouncing or patting. The experimental film projects the Dragon Ball mesmerizingly, stretching its form to reshape cultural tradition.