As part of their residency project Drawing the Lines: Politics and Technology in China’s Industrial History with DKUNST Art on Campus, artist Ho Rui An and curator Zian Chen are seeking research assistants for their archival and field research within the Yangtze River Delta region and participants for a workshop that will culminate in a research-based exhibition.
Expanding the narrative developed in Ho’s recent film, Lining (2021), which examines the rise and decline of the textile industry in Hong Kong, their residency considers the development of the industry within the Yangtze River Delta region before their displacement to Hong Kong in the late 1940s as well as the subsequent “return” of industrial capitalism to the mainland following the launch of China’s economic reforms. A key line of inquiry looks into the shifting relations between labour, technology, and capital within this history, with a focus on the (de)politicization of technology as a result of these changes.
As an extension of their research, the artist and curator will also organise a two-week workshop, during which they will share their research process with the participants and explore with them different ways of engaging with industrial history. Topics to be covered include industrial modernity and cinema, mapping (post)industrial space, and aural/oral industrial history. Following the workshop, participants will have two to three weeks to work together with the artist and curator to realise a research-based exhibition at Ming Contemporary Art Museum in Shanghai.
Requirement for research assistants
Induction for research assistants: 10 July 2023 (TBC)
Onsite and archival research: 17–28 July 2023*
Film production: 7–20 August 2023*
* Research assistants should ideally be available for the entire period as indicated. However, they can discuss with the artist and curator to work out a feasible schedule should they have other commitments during this period.
Workshop participants will have to attend all four sessions of the workshop and work together with the artist and curator to realise the exhibition at Ming Contemporary Art Museum. They should also be prepared to be involved in the public programs that will be organised to accompany the exhibition. All participants will receive an honorarium for their involvement in the exhibition and its related programs.
Period of Commitment
Installation period for exhibition: 16 – 20 September 2023 (TBC) *
Exhibition: 21 September – 8 October 2023 (TBC) *
* Workshop participants should work out a feasible schedule with the artist and curator for their involvement in the installation and public programs for the exhibition.
Application deadlines
For research assistants, please complete your submissions by 9 May 2023, 23:59.
For workshop participants, please complete your submissions by 18 August 2023, 23:59.
