Jian H.

The Dance of Perception aims to depict the transformative nature of human perception. The white lines create vacant spaces, symbolising how our perception bridges the diverging interpretations to coexist. The horizontal arrangement of physical movement reflects the flow of time, showcasing the process of transformation. The use of monotone signifies the absence of liveliness, deliberately juxtaposing the expressive movements, embodying that individuals’ perceptions are subjective.

Similar to how a caterpillar sheds its old skin and emerges as a butterfly, humans develop, not only physically but also spiritually. The dancers’ bodies tearing my flesh and extruding out symbolize my identity that will be newly shaped as I grow. Each dancer is portrayed with different physiques, implying that I would not be defined by one identity but transform into a multifaceted individual. The empty chessboard signifies how my path toward this transformation is open and boundless.

Each movement leaves no tangible traces beyond the moment itself. Echoes in Motion captures our transformation through a series of fleeting moments. The anonymous face of the dancer symbolises how fading and impermanent each moment is. Four opaque panels are overlapped, portraying the rising movements of the dancer, which signifies that although each moment is temporary, it accumulates resilience within us. The red line interacting with the dancer represents the timeline of personal growth.

Modern society is parallel to the Panopticon, where individuals become the inspectors of one another, transforming themselves into what is acceptable in society. A figure’s desperate face reflects a desire to reverse the transformation that had taken place to overcome this societal structure. The entangled Hanji paper emphasises the constraints under society’s surveillance. Yet, the figure extending beyond the canvas symbolises breaking free from self-imposed pressure that transforms who I am.

Our society transforms as independent perspectives come together to form a larger whole. The fragmented canvas and abrupt colour changes reflect individual voices and actions that are distinct. However, the overall dancer’s body being recognisable signifies how our collective perspectives are indispensable to adapt and shape society. The disproportionate body parts symbolises that the process of transformation should not be restricted in order to reach a future where diversity is celebrated.

This film aims to depict transformation through the lens of extending oneselves to more than who they are. The dynamic interplay between the monotonous and red background symbolizes the contrast between stagnation and change – the tension between familiar and unknown. The stretching arms signify individuals reaching beyond their current boundaries, inviting new possibilities. Overlapping arms are featured to create a sense of confusion, emphasising the struggle of pushing against the limits.

Transforming for the better requires a “glitch” – a sudden malfunction or irregularity. The pixelation represents the moments of disruption that lead to transformative growth. The random arrangement of the dancers emphasises the chaos of transformation, reflecting the unpredictability and turbulence one encounters in life. The contrast between grey and vibrant colours emphasises the duality between past and future, symbolising that they are in phase between different states of being.

Human connections are no longer genuine but mechanical in this rapidly evolving world. The grasping hands reflect our unconscious yearning for human connection – a longing for emotional intimacy. The silk connecting each layer of hands symbolises the invisible tie that exists between us, unifying us as a whole humanity. The silk flows effortlessly, juxtaposing the rigid movements of the hands, emphasising our desire to interact with one another despite society's influence.

What is the purpose of life when we are just temporary visitors in this world? The randomly fading and emerging forms create a sense of absence within presence, emphasising that our existence is only momentary. The chaotic layering of the bodies symbolises our inner conflict in search of the meaning of existence. The swirls and curves, portrayed through the thick brushstrokes, reflect the movement of the wind – a natural force that exists only as it moves, yet is always present, like human life.

Time makes things old; yet, it also offers the opportunity for renewal. The black background signifies the transformation that takes place outside the realm of time. The contrast between ancient and contemporary architecture signifies that the passage of time creates a development, leading to a stronger, more gleaming present. Yet, the silhouettes of dancing figures are present in both past and present, symbolising the indestructible power of humans’ cultural identity as time passes by.