Re-Asia Project: Pilgrimage to Mazu

 

A golden thread inlaid between land and sea, the rocks of the shore smoothed into fine sand by the waves. Barefoot fishermen tread this winding line, stepping into journeys of trade, scripting great epics, and weaving the myths of the ocean.

 

The first chapter of “Re-Aisia Project”, where the artists explicate the “traces (signs)” of Mazu through travel documentation. Starting from the Tianhou Temple in Jinzhou, Liaoning, at the northernmost end of China, and following the coastline back to Meizhou Island—the birthplace of Lin Mo (Mazu’s given name). In a manner akin to sketching, the artists transmit real-time writings, images, and manuscripts back to the exhibition hall. Through collective collaboration, they compose an exhibition of indeterminacy, transforming the conventional methodology of working from studio to gallery into the belief that the heaven and earth is the workshop—affirming action as the origin of creativity.

 

The ocean, as a medium connecting the world, is full of temptation and danger, yet it is also the birthplace of faith and certainty. The first chapter of “Re-Asia Project” begins by exploring the influence and footprints of Mazu culture along the coastline. Travelers send back “messages” in various media from the seaside, unfolding within the exhibition space.

 

Text/ Chen Zihao

 

Today, We Set Out

 

Today, we set out. Amidst countless uncertainties, “Re-Aisia Project” embarks on its first journey. We depart on the very day of the opening, leaving behind the audience—perhaps driven by a romanticized vision of history and reality, naive or ignorant, yet ultimately moved by a genuine stirring in our hearts. This history is a microcosm of history; this reality is one we experience with our very lives.

Today, we set out. Our gaze extends across distances, following planes, trains, cars, or footprints, stretching across vaster space and time. They meet, collide, encounter, and marvel—thus weaving the fate that belongs to us.

Today, we set out. The so-called ideals of a generation are not bestowed by anyone, nor are they charity, nor a marginal seat on some outdated stage. We will build our own stage, where what truly matters to us will stand at its center, where our deepest sentiments will be tenderly spoken and attentively heard. We will be our own sun.

Today, we set out for this.

 

Text/ Pu Yingwei

 

 

Re-Asia Project: Pilgrimage to Mazu

 

Guanyin bestowed the elixir, birthing the Celestial Mother,

Who shed her mortal form to become the ocean’s tears. S

he pledged to stand as a beacon, guarding every vessel’s path—

While the “Re-Asia” spirit rekindles the will of the wise.

Across ten thousand miles we rush, inscribing bold verses,

Tracing Mazu’s legacy to tower a temple of art.

Gladly we enter this hall—to be but a single beam,

And bear her light into the world.

Text/ Chen Zihao

 

 

 

Manifestation of the Spiritual Censer

 

Spirit rises from the burning censer,

Released through fire, incense, and temple halls—

Gathering in the air,

Becoming cloud.

Sunlight shafts down from the Celestial Palace,

Piercing through the cloud-mass,

Transmuting spirit into shadow,

Cast upon the long-furious waves—

And in one breath,

the raging sea stills to clarity.

 

Text/ Gao Lei

 

 

 

Snow

 

No matter how heavy,

Snow always falls slowly.

The only thing that hastens it

Is the wind—

And those urgent words

The wind whispers to you.

You push the door open in haste,

Leave after this long silence.

I am bewildered,

But I understand:

On this windless night,

You can no longer tell

if it is snow,

Or it is stars.

 

Text/ Liang Chen

 

 

 

Pilgrimage to Mazu

 

A collective diagnostic—

The deep-sea compass of wounded navigators.

A trauma support group

For colonial scars.

A decentralized scripture

Of neural grammars.

Only when a thousand sails have passed do we learn:

Civilization’s healing begins with the reclamation of names

—

That is to say:

homecoming,

and travelling again.

 

Text/ Lv Zhouda

 

 

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