"The Tricycle Spy" (三轮车间谍)
BLURB
In the scientific world it is said that an object is balanced if it’s not moving. In other words, in a state of physical steadiness, equilibrium, or a calm state of mind. The Principle of Moments, also referred to as Varignon's Theorem, states that a system is stable as all the forces acting on it cancel each other out. This is best exemplified by imagining a seesaw. When two forces perfectly balance each other, the plank remains still, resting in perfect symmetry. Much like Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely’s “Gismo” (1960), the street famous sanlunche (三轮车) rejects convention, instead acting as an artistic spectacle of absurd play. I doubt science can explain the precarious balancing act that takes place upon this three wheeled vehicle, but one thing is certain, it’s an artistic creation of epic proportions! Despite having to maneuver through Fengxian Lu (奉贤路) and Taixing Lu (泰兴路) its contents always remain perfectly still and counterpoised. A juxtaposition of chaos surrounding a tower of harmony. In true Dadaist practice, sanlunche have become sculptural works comprised of odd items, an irrational collection of boxes, old TVs, and the works! Now isn’t that something to smile about.
In the scientific world it is said that an object is balanced if it’s not moving. In other words, in a state of physical steadiness, equilibrium, or a calm state of mind. The Principle of Moments, also referred to as Varignon's Theorem, states that a system is stable as all the forces acting on it cancel each other out. This is best exemplified by imagining a seesaw. When two forces perfectly balance each other, the plank remains still, resting in perfect symmetry. Much like Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely’s “Gismo” (1960), the street famous sanlunche (三轮车) rejects convention, instead acting as an artistic spectacle of absurd play. I doubt science can explain the precarious balancing act that takes place upon this three wheeled vehicle, but one thing is certain, it’s an artistic creation of epic proportions! Despite having to maneuver through Fengxian Lu (奉贤路) and Taixing Lu (泰兴路) its contents always remain perfectly still and counterpoised. A juxtaposition of chaos surrounding a tower of harmony. In true Dadaist practice, sanlunche have become sculptural works comprised of odd items, an irrational collection of boxes, old TVs, and the works! Now isn’t that something to smile about.
EDITION, MEDIA, SIZE & WEIGHT
Unique Edition, Shanghai 2021~2023
TFT display, acrylic painting on Plexiglass, IR sensor, 8-bit microcontroller, media player, black-stained teakwood frame
51.2(W)×51.2(H)×5.5(D) cm // 7.5 kg
CRATE SIZE & WEIGHT
65(W)×65(H)×18.5(D) cm // 21.5 kg
EXPOSURE
“Full Throttle Ahead” at island6 Shanghai
CREDITS
Wang Chuanwen 王传文 (painting) • Camilla Zhao 赵莹 (performance) • Thomas Charvériat (art direction) • Yeung Sin Ching 杨倩菁 (production supervisor) • Tiara Alvarado-Leon (blurb)
Unique Edition, Shanghai 2021~2023
TFT display, acrylic painting on Plexiglass, IR sensor, 8-bit microcontroller, media player, black-stained teakwood frame
51.2(W)×51.2(H)×5.5(D) cm // 7.5 kg
CRATE SIZE & WEIGHT
65(W)×65(H)×18.5(D) cm // 21.5 kg
EXPOSURE
“Full Throttle Ahead” at island6 Shanghai
CREDITS
Wang Chuanwen 王传文 (painting) • Camilla Zhao 赵莹 (performance) • Thomas Charvériat (art direction) • Yeung Sin Ching 杨倩菁 (production supervisor) • Tiara Alvarado-Leon (blurb)
CLOSE-UPS
VIDEO
