After 2000 – When the mountain flowers are in full bloom, She will smile mingling in their midst.

 A video project by Li Xiaofei

Project Description

This project starts with the daily lives of children ― you can learn to tell the season from one leaf. How does the environment affect the individual? When viewed as a group, how do the individual characteristics of children form a picture of a society. This video work is an investigation of the reality of social conditions. These children, aged 6-12, are like pictures drawn by others – they embody the different social classes, educational backgrounds, value systems and outlooks on life, as well as all the contradictions in society. Interviewing children in different cities will create a chance to compare life-styles and cultures. The piece aims to find a possible form of communication that surpasses cultural differences and balances the individual and the environment.

I have completed sections of this project in Shanghai, China, and in Besançon, France. I plan to continue in New York and Taipei.

Project Proposal

1. Interview children in New York between 6-12 years old about their daily life.

2. Invite about 12 children to answer questions such as:

What is your name? How old are you? What is your favorite thing to do? How do you usually spend your weekends? What is the most unforgettable thing that has happened to you? What do you most want to be when you grow up? Have you been to other countries or cities?

3. Encourage the children to reply to the questions in their own way and in their mother tongue. They can come prepared or answer spontaneously during the filming process.

4. Finally, using all the materials collected during the interviews, I will edit and produce a video work and will create an exhibition that presents the Shanghai, Besancon, and New York sections of the project.

Sections of the work completed:

(1) Filmed in Besançon, France. Questions were based on local elements including the history, culture, education system of France. As they answered the questions the Besançon children were active, enthusiastic and humorous, the interview process was relaxed and fun.

(2) Filmed in Shanghai, China. Because of their cultural background, the Shanghai children were passive, direct and exhibited local characteristics during the process.

Exhibition of the Work filmed in China and France at the PAVE Contemporary Art Centre in Besançon

1. Elements of the installation:

A. Wall measurements: 5520mm long x 2510mm tall x 830mm wide

B. Materials: rocks, cement, about 60 squares of real grass

2. equipment required:

A. 2 HD DVD players

B. 2 42 in. LCD TVs;

C. Indoor lighting and power sockets

Description of installation:

A wall was created using the 1:1 ratio of  the Besancon city wall. There are two openings in the wall (the two openings have both pros and cons, they look big from the outside and small from the inside). Each opening has a TV screen; one plays the interviews of the Besancon children; the other plays the interviews of the Shanghai children.

Location: Le Hangar aux Manoeuvres, Besançon, France.

Exhibition organizers: Le Pavé Dans La Mare Besançon, France.