Liu Xiaoyu, an artist and interaction designer, presents a unique exploration of time in her innovative work, ‘Human Voice as Clock.’ This piece is a highlight of the online visual exhibition ‘Fluid Time,’ which draws inspiration from Armen Avanessian’s philosophical musings on the nature of time. The exhibition questions the conventional understanding of time as a linear sequence and proposes a more fluid, dynamic concept where the future can impact the present.
‘Human Voice as Clock’ is Liu’s artistic endeavor to delve into the fluidity of time. In this work, she recorded herself counting to two minutes in various scenarios – from the tranquility of lying in bed to the rush of running on a treadmill, or the mundane act of waiting for a bus. These recordings, when played back and measured against actual time, revealed intriguing variations in perceived time length. This experiment underscores that time perception is not rigid; it is malleable, influenced by context and individual experience.
Liu’s work resonates with Joan Grant’s idea from ‘Winged Pharaoh: a Far Memory book,’ where she posited that “time is not a line but a manifold.” Liu’s artistic exploration invites the audience to introspect on how they perceive time and how this perception is molded by their senses, memories, and emotions. It challenges viewers to reevaluate their understanding of time and consider its broader implications on their lives.
Born in 1995 in Zhejiang Province, East China, Liu Xiaoyu now resides and works in the United States. A Parsons School of Design alumnus, Liu has developed a distinctive multidisciplinary approach in her artistic practice. Her work often intersects various mediums, including art installation, performance, documentation, sound, and video.
Liu has showcased her work on several prestigious platforms, among them The Research House for Asian Art, NYC Media Lab, and Maker Faire. Her exhibitions are not mere displays of artistic skill but interactive experiences that engage audiences in profound reflections on universal concepts, particularly time.
The ‘Fluid Time’ exhibition, featuring Liu’s ‘Human Voice as Clock,’ stands as a testament to the evolving nature of art in interpreting and redefining complex concepts like time. It represents a contemporary approach to art, where traditional boundaries are transcended, and viewers are encouraged to engage with deeper philosophical and existential questions.
Through ‘Fluid Time,’ Liu Xiaoyu and other participating artists are not just creating art; they are facilitating a dialogue about the essence of time, its perception, and its impact on human existence. This exploration contributes significantly to a broader understanding of time, moving beyond the constraints of linearity to embrace its fluid, intricate nature.
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