Crabs and Chocolate : Li Xiaofei Solo Show: Artist Statements
February 22nd, 2014 - March 26th, 2014
Li Xiaofei: A King Crab
The phrase “A Crab and a Butterfly,” comes from a pattern from the medal owned by Roman Emperor Augustus. It symbolizes the Latin motto “Festina Lente” meaning “more haste, less speed” which pertains that the characteristics that a ruler should posses.
Kirkenes is a small town located in northern Norway, within the Arctic Circle. Near the Russian border, it was once one of the most sensitive strategic positions between NATO and the Soviet Union during the Cold War period. Even today there are many traces left behind, including military bases.
About two hours by car from Kirkenes is Bugøynes. Up until the 1980s it was a small fishing village but when the fish stocks dwindled, they became so desperate that they thought of “selling their village,” but they were saved by the king crab, which brought a new source of income.
But the possibility of the opening of the Northwest Passage will make the village a trading center in the future, but it will bring with it issues of pollution and sustainable development.
Li Xiaofei: A Bar of Chocolate
At first when faced with a foreign environment, people have considerable plasticity and adaptability where the environment and the environment tempers them over time. Seeing our daily living conditions slowly changing, placid, the individual within the body becomes tormented and weak. In a situation of huge cultural differences, this process can become long and depressing. In Chinese there is a phrase, “When the bitterness ends the sweetness begins,” which is very close to this process, perhaps the equivalent in the West would be “The Sun always shines after the rain.”
In regards to chocolate, we are familiar with its flavor and there is no way to deny its existence. Because it’s sweet, fragrant, it makes people happy and excited. It can counter feelings of frustration and depression. We most often think of chocolate as a gift. It is well known to bring a warm feeling to our friends who receive it as a gift. Actually most people don't’ realize that chocolate originated in Central and South America and was first called “xocolatl” meaning bitter water.
Li Xiaofei: Assembly Line—No.30
Every time I go into the workshop, I see people wearing work uniforms making repetitive movements as they stand beside the assembly line. They have no expressions on their faces, about as much expression as the products they produce.
