Rudee Tancharoen |Thailand
魯蒂．譚恰倫 | 泰國

"Ripples from Dove Valley" embodies an enchanting fusion of artistry and interaction, inviting viewers to partake in its delicate dance. This kinetic mobile, suspended by hemp strings from bamboo rings, features palm-sized ceramic sculptures. Each gentle touch from the audience sets in motion a mesmerizing 'ripple effect,' captivating observers with its graceful movement.

 

The ceramic pieces bear significance rooted in local folklore and tradition. Students from Adisi Pottery have contributed their artistry, shaping elements inspired by the revered figures of wild boar, owl, and macaque—iconic creatures synonymous with regional tales and cultural heritage. Fragments of traditional Paiwan pottery, emblematic of Adisi Pottery's legacy, find their place alongside creations by Rudee. These latter pieces, sculpted in the likeness of macaque and prehistorical Pottery Net Pendants discovered in Taiwan, add layers of historical depth and artistic innovation to the ensemble.

 

The choice of materials and motifs are simple and direct. No luxury material, no excessive decoration. The combination of hemp strings, stones, and ceramic net pendants draws inspiration from the raw beauty of prehistorical artifacts, particularly the fishing nets observed at the Taitung Prehistorical Museum. These elements serve as conduits to the past, embodying the essence of bygone eras, evoking the spirit of ancient peoples and their symbiotic relationship with nature.

 

Each ceramic piece, strategically positioned to form the semblance of a traditional Paiwan pot, offers a subtle nod to cultural heritage. At first glance, the pot's presence is faint, almost ethereal—a testament to the ephemeral nature of memory and history. Yet, upon closer inspection, the observer is rewarded with a mosaic of fragments: replicas of traditional Paiwan pottery, intricately crafted animal figurines, and replicas of prehistorical net pendants. Here, within this intricate mosaic, past and present converge, intertwined in a harmonious coexistence.

 

During my residency, dialogues with the local community unveiled nuanced perspectives on cultural preservation. While the preservation of cultural identity brings forth tangible benefits, it also raises questions of constraint and burden. This tension is symbolically reflected in the weight tethered at the end of the hemp strings—a burden carried, a narrative tethered to the earth.

 

Ultimately, "Ripples from Dove Valley" serves as a poignant reflection on the interconnectedness of past and present, human and nature. Like ripples upon a tranquil pond, it beckons viewers to contemplate the echoes of time, inviting introspection and dialogue. Amidst the ceaseless currents of existence, it poses a simple yet profound question: What do you see? For within these ripples lies the essence of our collective consciousness—a mosaic of memories, aspirations, and the ever-unfolding narrative of humanity.

 

Through the seamless integration of craftsmanship, storytelling, and introspection, "Ripples from Dove Valley" emerges as a captivating testament to the interconnectedness of art, culture, and community, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of existence and the myriad layers of meaning inherent in our surroundings.